Charges of a breach of protocol have been made against New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Martin Snedden by the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association resulting in a call for mediation in their pay dispute.

But Snedden has refuted the claim during a radio interview today. However, no formal response will be made by New Zealand Cricket.

Players' Association spokesman Heath Mills said the response promised by the NZCPA to the NZC wage offer last week was a reasoned one.

However, he said the call for mediation was the result of players' concerns that NZC breached the protocol under which the parties agreed to negotiate.

"Our response acknowledges that the settlement offer was a positive step towards resolution between the parties.

"It also acknowledges the acceptance by the NZC bargaining team of a number of proposals made by NZCPA during the negotiation process," Mills said.

"The specific details of the response, together with all other information tabled by NZCPA during the negotiation process, is regarded by NZCPA, the players and the bargaining protocol agreed between the parties at the outset as being confidential between the negotiation teams."

Mills said an assurance had been sought by NZC's bargaining team that it would not disclose any information tabled and regarded as confidential by the players and the NZCPA.

"Sufficient acknowledgement" had not been received.

"We have therefore, in accordance with the bargaining protocol, compelled mediation in an attempt to resolve this issue and progress negotiations in a professional and efficient manner," Mills said.

He said it was difficult to negotiate in an environment where one party completely ignored agreed protocol and refused to show respect for the process.

However, he said the NZCPA was still looking forward to progressing negotiations next week.

"Given we still have a lot to achieve we have proposed an extra day be set aside for bargaining next week. It is proposed that part of that time be allocated to mediation, as required," Mills said.

He added that both the NZCPA and the players were concerned at rumours the State Max competition scheduled for November 16-17 in Auckland could be cancelled.

The NZCPA wrote to NZC on the matter.

"The letter emphasised that, although the players have taken industrial action concerning the bargaining process, they have undertaken to ensure a minimal effect on the cricketing public and, subject to case by case consideration, the commercial partners of NZC.

"It should be remembered that the statement of position relates only to the month of October. No such contemplation has been given at this stage as to any industrial action for the month of November.

"It has always been the NZCPA's intention to focus on concluding negotiations as soon as possible and in any event prior to the start of the domestic season.

"Unfortunately for everyone involved, negotiations have been diverted and attempts are being made to draw them into the public domain.

"The NZCPA does not believe this is in the best interests of cricket or the negotiation process and aside from the matters we have been forced to address today, NZCPA will continue with there [sic] position of not commenting publicly on the specific issues under negotiation," he said.

Mills said that if any commercial partners approached NZC regarding arrangements for the Max tournament and the State competitions then NZC should consult with the Players' Association to explore options which might be available to avoid disruption both to any commercial arrangements and the cricketing public of New Zealand.

© CricInfo