The Barmy Army – the famously raucous supporters of the English cricket team – say they face bankruptcy if a looming Australian players strike results in the upcoming Ashes series being cancelled.

Dave Peacock, a co-founder of the supporters’ group, said the organization had already paid for events for the expected 30,000 fans due to arrive for the scheduled Ashes series in Australia at the end of the year.

But a pay dispute between the players and Cricket Australia has already resulted in the cancellation of an Australian A team tour of South Africa and has left the Ashes tour in doubt.

"There are 30,000-plus fans travelling to Australia this year, and they've already booked their flights, hotels, tickets and tours," Mr Peacock told Fairfax Media.

"We're already committed to paying for all of this, as well as things like Christmas dinner for 800 to 1000… all our merchandising and T-shirts, and plans for a massive New Year's Eve party in Sydney… From a logistical point of view, we would go bust if it didn't go ahead.”