SYDNEY, June 29: Australian cricketers, notorious for speaking their minds out during matches, are not too happy with Cricket Australia's code of conduct which "gags them from expressing opinions" on various issues, according to a survey.

The survey by Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) reveals that a high percentage of current and former cricketers are disenchanted with code of conduct. According to a report in The Sun-Herald, 91 per cent of players were "frustrated by their lack of ability to provide honest feedback on cricket-related issues".

"Cricketers have intelligent views and want to be able to offer their opinions freely in the media, as long as they are responsible," ACA chief executive Tim May was quoted as saying by the daily.

"Cricket Australia hasn't changed the code, but we hope their intention will be to not police it as stringently as they have in the past because players have been unfairly muzzled and penalised."

May also said players were unhappy about number of promotional appearances which were part of their contract with the board. Under current terms, they are expected to make 28 promotional appearances.

"Players are finding that two days before a Test they have to fit in promotional appearances and that affects their preparations," May said. "There is also concern about protecting some players from overexposure... There is a need to protect the way these players' images are being used and also to make sure they can prepare properly for matches." -PPI