The Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, Lord MacLaurin, has rejected criticism of the ECB's financial management by the Professional Cricketers' Association.

A report in today's Express newspaper details the anger felt by professional players up and down the country at news that their wages may be cut.

The report states that the counties are each to receive £50,000 less than was forecast for next summer, meaning that some top players will see their salaries either frozen or reduced.

The Express also reports that a letter was delivered personally to Lord MacLaurin on Monday issuing a vote of no confidence from the players. It was signed by leading members of the PCA David Graveney, Matthew Fleming and Mike Gatting.

Lord MacLaurin said: "I can confirm that I have received a letter from the PCA and, on behalf of the ECB Management Board, I firmly reject the criticism of the ECB. Furthermore, the ECB's Chief Executive, Tim Lamb, enjoys our full and unequivocal support. I wrote to the PCA on October 9th suggesting that we meet at the earliest opportunity to discuss their concerns, and look forward to having a constructive dialogue with them.

"I fully understand the PCA's concerns. However, it is no secret that the finances of the ECB are under considerable strain at the moment - mainly because of a £3m shortfall in international ticket sales revenue. The First Class counties have, however, not been told that they will be receiving £50,000 less. No final decision has yet been taken on this matter. It is ultimately the First Class counties who will make the decision at their meeting in December."

John Read, the ECB's Director of Corporate Affairs, told CricInfo that he "refuted any suggestion of financial mismanagement."

"Revenue has fallen," he said, "because ticket sales during the summer were lower than expected due to Test matches finishing early."

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