Australian coach Darren Lehmann acknowledged that the unpleasant pay disagreement will play a crucial role in Australia's performance in the upcoming edition of ICC Champions Trophy. He also denied the boycott of this year's Ashes series.
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association are going through a turf over the long-running talks, with vice-captain David Warner warned about boycotting the series against England, starting in November.
Lehmann also asserted that the cricketers are completely focused about the preparations of the Champions Trophy in England and Wales. Talking about Ashes disruption, he said, "I'd hope not as a fan. I'm sure that won't happen. We've spoken quite a lot, on many issues at the moment. He's  (Warner)really looking forward to getting the lads back together. There's been a lot of emails and text messages around the place. He is (in good spirits). He's been there (in India) for four months and hasn't been home. But he's ready to go."
He further added, "You have to do that. You have to keep communication open so we know what direction everyone's going. It is going to be a bit of a distraction, there's no doubt about that. Just getting together and working it out is the way to go. There's no panic, it's just about the two parties getting together."
Also read: Clarke's comments on domination of AustraliaCA chairman David Peever has rejected the ACA's request for the bodies to try mediation. Peever said, "While CA absolutely shares your stated desire for a new agreement ... it seems extraordinary to be considering the involvement of a mediator before the ACA has attempted to negotiate. The approach the ACA has taken in demanding certain preconditions be met before it is prepared to begin negotiations is the fundamental reason why no progress has been made to date."
The two bodies are having the disagreement from past six months or so. CA is looking forward to scuffle revenue-sharing after 20 years, saying more funds were needed for the game's popularity, and that its offer provided generously for players.
The ACA is equally determined to keep revenue-sharing, as they said that the system was not broken and did not need fixing. The national deadline is June 30, for the expiry of the current memorandum of understanding (MoU).
