"Australia's out-of-form cricketers are at war with their employers after demanding an 80 million dollars increase to their payment pool," the newspaper said.

"The stunning claims have forced a breakdown in negotiations between Cricket Australia and the players. The cricketers have demanded up to 80 million dollars from the sale of shares in the eight new city-based Big Bash teams and the WACA redevelopment in Perth.

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"Cricket Australia officials are so angered by the claims they have vowed not to resume negotiations until the claims are taken off the table," it added.

Australia were knocked out of the World Cup after a five-wicket loss to India in the quarterfinals and the future of the team's senior players, including skipper Ricky Ponting, is under the scanner.

Australia's cricket associations have been permitted to sell shares in Twenty20 Big Bash franchises, which could earn them more than 200 million dollars.