TelstraClear Black Caps not affected by ICC contract disagreement

The TelstraClear Black Caps are not affected by the disagreement between FICA and the ICC over ICC player contracts, New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden said today.

"I have worked through the issue with the Players' Association. We have agreed that the ICC sponsorship provisions for the ICC Champions Trophy 2002 are covered by New Zealand Cricket's existing player contracts.

"I don't believe that any New Zealand players will be detrimentally affected by signing the ICC contract.

"However, I am sympathetic to our player's views on individual commercial rights and will continue to work though the issue with the Players' Association as part of our ongoing contract negotiations.

"The issue is an important one for international cricket and I hope all parties will be able to work towards a solution which allows the ICC to meet its contractual obligations."

This position was supported by New Zealand Cricket Players' Association spokesman Heath Mills.

"The Players' Association focus is to ensure the players are looked after and I feel we have worked well with New Zealand Cricket to achieve this.

"This issue is going to need to be addressed internationally so that it does not affect future events."