But then, given cricket’s culture, particularly in this country, it’s hardly surprising. 

The purists, those who still jump at overpriced tickets to the Ashes before taking even a half-interested glance at Twenty 20, should be the most worried.

Every major football code in Australia is dealing with the growing pains which come with broadcast rights and bigger pots of money.

But at least, particularly in the case of the AFL and NRL, they are willing to come to the table, even when the threat of a player strike is looming.

To defiantly stand back and watch the game crumbling around them is ridiculous. Everyone just expects a deal will be done and the Ashes will proceed as scheduled this summer.

But they’ve crashed through the first checkpoint on their way to hurtling off the cliff. 

With the Australia A tour of South Africa called off, we look anxiously towards the Test series in Bangladesh as the runaway rattles on.

The fallout from failing to travel to Bangladesh, a rising international power, would be minor compared to the backlash by not travelling to India for a one-day series. 

Let alone sitting out the very reason cricket is the major Australia past-time it is, taking on the old enemy.

As in politics and the inter-generational war unfolding, if the Ashes is called off, it could push those with their heads already turned towards the Big Bash away from Test cricket.

And yet it points to a broader cultural problem within cricket itself. No other country in the world has the same aggressive, sledging cultural attitude towards cricket. Grade cricket from Sydney to Wollongong and Wagga are sometimes bitter contests.

It’s just accepted some weekends will be that way as soon as the draw comes out.

Having played 21 years of the game, I’ve experienced it – and engaged in it – since my early teens.

It always seemed the way, until you experience different other countries’ attitudes to the game, before even comparing it to the vast difference in culture in other sports. Brett Geeves wrote a stunning insight into his treatment as a late call-up to the Australian squad in South Africa in 2009.

 No welcoming party, not even a driver for him at the airport waiting. 

He also wrote of an experience with Michael Clarke, accusing him of brushing him altogether.

All symptoms of the culture of arrogance within the game.

The way players have been chewed up and spat out of the Test system in the post-Waugh/Ponting era of dominance is further evidence.

It filters down the levels, until it stops at grizzled middle-aged men in park cricket, avoiding a mid-life crisis for one more Saturday afternoon.

Cricket is under greater threat than officials, both at national and local level, care to admit. 

The next generation, in terms of player numbers and general interest, will quickly turn to other sports if institutions like the Ashes are abused. 

Football and basketball are doing everything they can to launch hostile takeovers of the summer market. 

It is no longer the post-footy season domain of cricket and hasn’t been sometime.

And attracting Sheffield Shield matches and Australian Country carnivals are all well and good.

A toe-hold on the national calendar, an economic boost, a first-hand glimpse at how they do it at a higher level.

But there are broader problems.  Port Kembla have struggled for numbers for years. Balgownie’s first grade has been a recent powerhouse, but the club has precious little depth. These issues are reflected in associations across the country.

The Cricket Australia stand-off may be partly about fighting funds for grassroots development, but unless a new deal can be reached quickly, it will have a far-reaching impact.