County cricketers to waive £1m in prize money and agree pay cuts to help support domestic game

County cricketers have agreed to forego a combined £1million in prize money in a bid to save the domestic game.

With cricket in England suspended until May 28 at the earliest, players have also agreed to take pay cuts, according to the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA).

Players will also agree to being furloughed if required during April and May as well as "also taking a reduction in their remuneration in order to be consistent with reductions that have been made to other non-playing staff at their county".

PCA chairman Daryl Mitchell said: “I’m pleased we have reached an agreement between the PCA, the ECB and the 18 first-class counties.

“Like many industries, cricket recognises the challenges it currently faces.

"The players have been alert to the need for them to play their part. This initial agreement will support the game for the period of April and May.”

Last month, the ECB announced a £61m support package to help both professional and recreational cricket.

England's centrally-contracted cricketers have made an initial donation of £500,000 to the ECB and other causes, while Jos Buttler raised more than £65,000 for two London hospitals earlier this week by auctioning his 2019 World Cup Final shirt.

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