Paid!

Despite a large portion of Australia's international and state players being out of contract and officially unemployed, thanks to the Australian Cricketers' Association, various sources are reportedly chipping-in to help pay the players.

"The ACA is in the process of securing a multimillion-dollar line of credit to support the unemployed players to counter attempts by CA to starve them out," an ACA spokesman said.

"Major international financial institutions have shown strong interests in supporting the players at this difficult time. The ACA is fielding support from private individuals who are also willing to back this move."

The 'Sydney Morning Herald' has reported the "injection of millions of dollars in 'loans' from several wealthy backers" into a hardship fund set up by the ACA that could - according to the report, last "until Christmas."

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