Symonds to get his dues despite suspension

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Melbourne: Andrew Symonds may have to miss next month's India tour following the "gone fishing" saga but the volatile Australian all-rounder will still earn as much as any other Cricket Australia contracted player by just cooling off his heels at home.

CA will continue to pay Symonds his retainer regardless of whether he tours India or not, plus match payments for games he won't play, 'Sunday Telegraph' reported.

This means Symonds, who is currently seeking solace in the Gold Coast hinterland after being sent home for missing a team meeting while going fishing in Darwin during Australia's ODI series against Bangladesh, will earn a cool USD 2,00,000 for the next three months by not facing a single ball.

CA spokesman Peter Young confirmed Symonds would receive his full wage during his time out of the game, proof that the board is not going to abandon the maverick cricketer.

"He's a contracted player and because he's going through a rehabilitation programme at the moment, he will get full retainer payment. We're treating this the same as if a player was injured," Young said.

With Symonds' base contract with CA worth an estimated USD 500,000, the hard-hitting batsman stands to earn USD 41,666 a month or USD 124,999 for the next three months.

Symonds is also entitled to full match payments for the upcoming Indian series as he was a member of the most recent Test side when ordered to undergo rehabilitation by CA.

Australian players are paid USD 17,850 for a Test abroad. With four Tests to be played next month in India, Symonds will receive USD 71,400.

Factoring in CA's monthly payments, Symonds stands to earn about USD 196,400 in total without facing a single ball in India.