Zimbabwe players agree World Twenty20 deal

Zimbabwe's professional cricketers' association have agreed to a payment structure put forward by ZC and will depart for the World T20 in Bangladesh tonight. After demanding that 25% of the World T20 revenue was set aside to guarantee salaries for the next 12 months, the players have accepted earnings of US$11,500 per player for the tournament, with bonuses of up to US$2,700 per second round match won, and are still negotiating a way to secure future wages.

The deal was reached in the presence of Dave Richardson, the ICC CEO, who was in the country to mediate between the players and the board. Late last week the players threatened strike action if their financial security was not assured but have since agreed to play, pending further talks.

"Players have been paid a lump sum towards the World Cup contract," ZPCA secretary-general, Eliah Zvimba, told Zimbabwe newspaper Herald. "The amount covers the appearance and match fees. The players have signed contracts and all is well now. We will continue negotiating for a percentage from the ICC revenues to secure salaries for players after the World Cup."

The current tussle came weeks after a two-month player strike over non-payment of salaries was resolved.