Would be a shame if Ashes comes under threat due to pay scuffle, says Chris Woakes

English all-rounder Chris Woakes has become the latest to join the discussions on the current pay scuffle going in the Australian cricket. The players of the Australian team have been at the loggerheads with the Cricket Australia over payment issues. Things have not been very fruitful and CA has even threatened the players to terminate their contracts if they do not comply with the proposed changes.

This has resulted in severe outrage among the players. All big names, including those of Mitch Starc, Aaron Finch, David Warner, and many more have been very vocal about their concerns on the same. David Warner recently went on to say that the Ashes might not be played this season because of this pay scuffle. The players have threatened to boycott the Ashes and have hinted about the same on the social media.

Talking on the issue, English cricketer Chris Woakes noted that the England players do not have any such issues. He was thankful that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is paying their players very well. Hence, the players only focus on what lies ahead.

“It’s not on our radar – we are paid very well and looked after by the ECB and the PCA. What lies ahead lies ahead, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” quoted Chris Woakes as per the quotes in News18.

On possible Ashes boycott

He further added that it would only be a shame if a tournament as big as the Ashes is boycotted because of this payment issue. However, he backed the Aussie players for standing for the things they believe in.

“It sounds like the (Australia) players are standing firm for what they believe in. If it gets to the stage where the Ashes are under threat, of course it would be a shame for it to not go ahead. It’s the pinnacle…but we are concentrating on what comes next,” he conceded.