UAE players in row with board

The United Arab Emirates Cricket Board is in dispute with its players amid claims by them that they are owed match fees.

The row revolves around the players' involvement in last month's ICC Intercontinental Cup semi-final in Sharjah, where UAE lost to Canada, as well as the ICC Six Nations Challenge in March.

A source explained that the players were told there was no money available, with the board claiming that it had not been paid by the ICC. Most of the players had to sacrifice their annual leave to play, with some losing salaries during their absences.

However, the payment of salaries and appearance money is not the responsibility of the ICC but of the relevant board. The ICC covered all operational costs of both tournaments - including flights and accommodation, grounds and catering - without requiring any participation fee from the hosts. So any issues with the players' remuneration is entirely down to the UAECB.

The players were, however, paid in full for their participation during the Hong Kong Sixes, but investigations show that, as with some other cash-strapped countries, those payment probably came directly from tournament appearance fees.

They are also unhappy with the facilities made available to them by the board with water the only refreshment made available during and after net sessions.