England Test stars wrangling with ECB over cash increase, not IPL

London, Mar.20 : Eleven England Test stars, including the rested captain Andrew Strauss and fast bowler James Anderson, have refused to sign the central contracts offered to them last October, and it is not because of their participation in the Indian Premier League, but more to do about better pay and perks.

It is the second year running that the deals have been delayed. Last year, the main sticking point was availability for the lucrative Indian Premier League. This time around though it is understood that money is the issue, with players feeling undervalued by their employers, reports The Sun.

The deals are currently worth up to 450,000 pounds for the big names, with the newer members of the side offered around 150,000 pounds.

England managing director Hugh Morris insists the players will not let the negotiations affect their efforts on the field.

With the Second Test starting today, Morris said: "The situation is that the players are currently under contract under the terms of last year. We''re working in good faith, but there are a few points that need ironing out. It''s a high priority. The IPL is separate and is not one of the issues.

"Both sides want to get a deal done and we don''t want to be in this situation again," Morris added.