Australia have only agreed to play in the Malaysian tri-series because of the million-dollar cash carrot dangled by India, Australian Cricketers' Association chief Paul Marsh said.

"There is no doubt the major motivating factor for Cricket Australia agreeing to this series is financial," Marsh said.

"The majority of the public aren't excited by these types of tournaments and if Cricket Australia continues to agree to them when there is a good financial outcome offered up, we question what effect this will have on the long-term value of the product of cricket," he was quoted as saying in the Herald Sun on Monday.

"Whilst the ACA supports growing the game's finances, there has to be a balance between the short and long term needs of the game," he said.

Marsh also said the success of the Australian team was being placed in jeopardy because of scheduling.

"Our major concerns with series like this one are their lack of context and the ever-increasing workload burden placed on players," he said.

"While we acknowledge that the Australian players are coming off the longest break they have had for several years, such breaks are rare.

"I'm sure we'd all hate to see Australia lose the Ashes or World Cup because of unnecessary player injuries caused by excessive workload."

Australia are set to be paid US $1 million for each of two pool matches against India in the DLF Cup series that begins on Tuesday in Malaysia.

Australia's booty from the Champions Trophy warm-up tournament, also involving the West Indies, could reach $3.9 million if it plays in the final against India.

But Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland defended the integrity of the series.

"Cricket Australia has got a responsibility to ensure significant money is flowing into the game," Sutherland said.

"We regard this tournament as a significant step on the road to the Champions Trophy and the Ashes."

It is understood about a quarter of Australia's windfall will flow back to the players and the rest will be ploughed into CA coffers.