Exasperated at his sudden removal, Mickey Arthur today said his unfair sacking was the result of a "deliberate campaign" against him but Cricket Australia has challenged his claim.
Arthur, who had been in South Africa after his unceremonious exit ahead of Ashes tour and sought compensation through legal means, returned to Australia today and read out a statement before media.
He said his sacking was unfair as he was given a positive appraisal by Cricket Australia before the Ashes tour and that his removal has damaged his reputation.
"After my dismissal, I received nothing in writing from Cricket Australia, no contact, and no payment at all, not even of my basic leave pay, until I was forced to bring in lawyers to assist in the process," he read from a statement.
"I had tried on a number of occasions to make direct contact at a very senior level of Cricket Australia, for days there was just no response."
Cricket Australia though said it stands by its earlier statements on the matter and "disputes a number of claims made by Arthur today."
"We will not be articulating these disputes publicly except to say that we are confident in our legal position, are comfortable with the level of support provided to Mickey and look forward to resolving this matter in an appropriate manner," CA said in a statement.
Arthur reiterated that he did not leak his legal action against Cricket Australia to media and that he had hoped of a resolution through talks.
Arthur filed a Aus $4 million case to the Fair Work Commission for his sacking, which was leaked to media along with his claims of division in the Australian cricket team.
