BCCI’s New Test Cricket Incentive Scheme(45-60 Lakh): Dravid Encourages Iyer and Kishan
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced an innovative “Test Cricket Incentive Scheme while India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has a straightforward message for Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan.
BCCI’s New Test Cricket Incentive Scheme: Boosting Player Earnings and Prioritizing Test Cricket
BCCI has introduced an innovative “Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,” aimed at enhancing players’ earnings and emphasizing the importance of Test cricket in the cricketing landscape. Under this scheme, players can potentially earn between INR 45-60 lakhs per Test match, representing a significant increase in match fees.
BCCI President, Roger Binny, describes the initiative as a pivotal step towards promoting Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport. The scheme rewards players with a 300% increase in match fees if they participate in over 75% of the Tests during a season, reflecting the board’s commitment to incentivize players for their dedication to the longest format of the game.
Former cricketer and current head coach, Rahul Dravid, views the scheme as a well-deserved reward for players rather than just an incentive. He acknowledges its role in fostering a culture that values Test cricket alongside other formats of the game.
Implemented retrospectively from the 2022-23 season, the scheme aims to encourage players to prioritize first-class cricket, a recommendation endorsed by Ajit Agarkar’s selection panel. Notably, players like Cheteshwar Pujara, who exemplify this commitment by participating in a significant number of Tests, stand to benefit substantially from the scheme.
The scheme categorizes players based on their Test match participation, with those featuring in 50-75% of Tests earning INR 30 lakhs per match. However, players participating in less than 50% of the games are ineligible for the scheme. It’s important to note that these incentives are separate from the annual retainers provided by the BCCI.
In addition to the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme, the BCCI has expanded its support for players, including fast-bowling contracts and access to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) facilities, demonstrating a holistic approach to player development and welfare.
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This initiative underscores the BCCI’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture that values Test cricket. Through these measures, the board aims to reinforce the significance of domestic cricket, particularly first-class cricket, and encourage players to excel in this format, thereby strengthening India’s cricketing prowess on the global stage.
Rahul Dravid Encourages Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan to Dominate Domestic Cricket for National Team Return
India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has a straightforward message for Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan: excel in domestic cricket to earn your spot back in the national team. Both players have been under the spotlight recently for opting out of domestic cricket matches.
Iyer and Kishan found themselves excluded from the BCCI’s annual retainers for the 2023-24 season due to their absence from domestic cricket. The board has consistently emphasized the importance of prioritizing domestic cricket when not representing the national team.
Kishan has been absent from all forms of cricket since withdrawing from the Test series in South Africa. Meanwhile, Iyer, who missed out on the Ranji Trophy quarter-finals due to back spasms, has returned to action for Mumbai in the semi-finals.
Dravid, speaking after India’s series win over England, expressed that players actively participating in domestic cricket are always in contention. While Dravid doesn’t handle contract decisions, he emphasized the importance of players proving themselves through performance.
The BCCI recently announced a Test Cricket Incentive Scheme, increasing match fees for players featuring in over 75% of Test matches in a season by 300%. Dravid hopes this scheme will be seen as a reward for hard work and dedication rather than merely a financial incentive.
Acknowledging the challenges of Test cricket, Dravid stressed the significance of recognizing players’ efforts in the format. He highlighted the need to celebrate Test cricket and the perseverance required to succeed in the longest format of the game.
Dravid’s encouragement to Iyer and Kishan echoes the sentiment that consistent performance in domestic cricket is crucial for earning a place in the national team, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication in the journey towards international success.
