Australian umpires consider unionisation

Australian umpires, in a move without precedent, have requested admission into the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), a request that signals an eventual move towards unionisation. Though the move has been under consideration for a number of years, in the wake of the Darrell Hair saga, it gathers added significance.

Tarryn Paten, ACA spokesperson, confirmed the approach to The Sydney Morning Herald. "We can confirm that an approach has been made. We are very sympathetic to the umpires' cause and will see if there is something we can do."

It appears that the officials behind the push are hoping the lack of support shown to Hair by the ICC after The Oval will prompt umpires internationally to consider a move towards unionisation. Hair has been stood down from the Champions Trophy by the ICC on 'security grounds' and faces an uncertain future.

Pakistan have stated officially they do not want him to stand in their matches, India have asked for him not to be considered for the Champions Trophy and Sri Lanka have long held grievances against him, after he called Muttiah Muralitharan for a faulty action.

The rationale behind the umpires' move, the paper reported, is not thought to be pay-related. Rather, it is to improve the support mechanisms for officials at international and state level, mechanisms which have seemingly been found wanting as the ICC ostensibly distances itself from Hair.

Should ACA accept the request, Australia's officials are likely to be the first in international cricket to be unionised. The ACA is also understood to be considering admitting female cricketers for the first time, in a further diversification of its membership base. The association will consider the umpires' request at a board meeting on Monday.