Chris Woakes admits to England players being prepared for pay cuts

England all-rounder Chris Woakes admitted that the players might have to undergo pay cuts, as the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the downsizing of 62 members from within the Board. According to ECB CEO Tom Harrison, English cricket had already lost more than £100 million, a figure that could rise to £200 million next year if COVID-19 interrupts next season. Proposals to reduce costs include a 20 percent cut to the workforce budget – a move that equates to the loss of 62 positions.

Woakes, ahead of the 3rd ODI against Australia, said, “It does resonate with the players. In the current climate, and with contracts around the corner, I think you just have to expect anything at the minute. As players, you’re not going to sit here and say ‘we’re exempt from it’.”

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In April, England’s centrally contracted players made a donation of £500,000 to the ECB and selected good causes, the equivalent of a 20 percent reduction in their retainers for three months.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has left cricket facing its most significant challenge of the modern era,” said ECB CEO Tom Harrison. “There is also deep uncertainty about the future, and it is vital we take more steps now to ensure the future financial sustainability of cricket in England and Wales.”

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Harrison added that the ECB would need to become a leaner and more agile organization, saying savings would only be possible by downsizing.

Announcing the sacking of 62 members, he said.”These proposals include a 20 percent reduction in our workforce budget, which will equate to the removal of 62 roles from our structure. Seven months ago, sharing a message of this nature was unthinkable. Our ambition and energy are unchanged but how we get there now needs to look significantly different from what we originally planned for.”