Symonds to pocket 200 K dollars even if he does not tour India
7 Sep 2008, 1702 Hrs

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Sydney, Sept.7 (ANI): Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds will get almost 200,000 dollars over the next 10 weeks, even if fails to make the squad for India.

Cricket Australia apparently is not ready to pull the lid on Symonds even though he seems to have lost the respect of teammates.

The Sunday Telegraph has learned that Cricket Australia is prepared to back the Queenslander by continuing to pay him his CA retainer, plus match payments for games he won't play.

Under his CA deal, Symonds is entitled to earn 71,400 dollars without setting foot in India.

Currently seeking solace in the Gold Coast hinterland, Symonds is awaiting instruction from CA and Queensland cricket authorities, but it is understood leading sports psychologist Phil Jauncey could be enlisted to counsel the all-rounder.

Speculation is rife Symonds has had enough of life as a professional cricketer, but a member of the Australia camp believes the controversial figure will be back.

"I've spoken to him and he's going OK. I guess only he knows if he wants to go on, but the impression I get is that he wants to keep playing. He has too much to achieve in cricket. He's only become a regular in the Aussie (Test) side in the last 12 to 18 months. Despite all the dramas, I'd be very surprised if he walked away," said an unnamed player.

CA spokesman Peter Young confirmed Symonds would receive his full pay during his time out of the game, proof the organisation is more concerned about the 33-year-old's welfare than any behavioural issues.

"He's a contracted player and because he's going through a rehabilitation program at the moment, he will be paid in full," Young said.

"We're treating this the same way as if a player was injured. Andrew will still get his retainer payment. Andrew will now be working closely with Queensland Cricket. We imagine he will be doing training and fitness work with them. The details of that are still to be worked out," Young added.

CA's 25 contracted players are paid on the 15th of each month. With Symonds's base deal worth an estimated 500,000 dollars, he stands to earn 41,666 dollars a month for the next three months, totalling 124,999 dollars.

Under section 9.2 of CA's player contract, which covers injury and illness, Symonds is also entitled to full match payments for the Indian series as he was a member of the most recent Test side when ordered to undergo rehabilitation by CA.

Australia players are paid 17,850 dollars for a Test abroad. With four Tests to be played next month in India, Symonds will receive 71,400 dollars. Factoring in CA's monthly payments, he stands to earn about 196,400 dollars without facing a single ball in India.

One of Symonds's closest friends, Test opener Matt Hayden, said: "I love Andrew as a mate and that will always be the case. That's all I wish to say right now." (ANI)