The Fyre Festival of cricket: Warner among 16 Australians left in lurch as Caymans league collapses

David Warner and 15 other Australian cricketers are embroiled in the collapse of a T10 cricket league in the Cayman Islands after players refused to participate due to non-payment of their contracts. The situation escalated from individual player protests to entire teams taking strike action, forcing the cancellation of the tournament.

Warner expressed deep disappointment from Miami, where players are transiting home. Angry players have likened the experience to the infamous Fyre Festival, feeling stranded and disillusioned. Following unsuccessful attempts over several days to secure payment, the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) and global players' associations are now exploring legal action against the tournament organiser, UAE-based BMP Sports.

ACA chief executive Paul Marsh supported the players' stance, calling it a necessary signal against the recurring issue of non-payment in cricket. He detailed that organisers were put on notice regarding unpaid contracts (which typically require 50% payment before the tournament), and players exhausted all avenues before refusing to play. Marsh emphasized the need for stronger regulation of such events and confirmed legal options will be pursued.

Players were advised to ensure BMP Sports covered their return flights, but at least one player anonymously reported having to pay for their own flights and accommodation to leave the Cayman Islands.

Affected Australian players include Warner, his former Test partner Joe Burns, ex-Australian seamer Andrew Tye, and domestic cricketers Josh Brown, Ben Manenti, and Jordan Silk. The Max 60 T10 league, which ran for the first time last year, had previously received praise from Warner and West Indian player Carlos Brathwaite. Players were contractually entitled to 50% of their fees 30 days before the tournament start, with the remaining 50% due within 15 days of its conclusion.