The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new “Test Cricket Incentive Scheme” that offers generous fee hikes to players who participate more in red-ball cricket.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a significant initiative to encourage players to prioritise Test cricket. The “Test Cricket Incentive Scheme” offers a substantial financial reward for consistent participation in red-ball cricket.
“This scheme is not only designed to encourage players to engage in the purest format of the sport but also addresses the evolving dynamics of the cricketing landscape,” stated the BCCI in a press release. President Roger Binny emphasised the scheme’s alignment with their vision, “This initiative aligns with our vision of promoting Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport.”
The scheme outlines that cricket players who participate in more than 50% of Tests in a single season will receive an additional INR 30 lakh per Test, on top of their regular match fees of INR 15 lakhs. Also, players who participate in more than 75% of Tests will receive an additional INR 45 lakhs per Test on top of their regular match fees of INR 22.5 Lakhs. Players who play in fewer than 50% of the games will not be eligible for this incentive. It is important to note that this scheme is separate from the BCCI’s annual retainers.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah also elaborated on the scheme’s goals, “This pioneering initiative… is designed to inspire our cricketers to contribute their absolute best to the longer format of the game. It is a recognition of the unique challenges and demands that Test cricket poses, and through this initiative, we seek to not only reward excellence but also cultivate a renewed passion for the purest form of the sport.”
This move comes amidst the BCCI’s emphasis on domestic cricket participation. A previous announcement from Shah to contracted players stressed the importance of performing well in domestic tournaments for national selection, with “severe implications” for non-participation.
Subsequently, the focus on Test cricket has yielded positive results. Following a first-test loss, in the five-match test series against England, India discovered young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Devdutt Padikkal, who impressed with their batting and fielding performances. Jaiswal’s outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Series award. These performances helped India secure a 4-1 series victory over England, as the former currently sits at the top of the WTC table.
Last Updated on March 9, 2024