BCCI Likely To Revise Pay Structure And Bonus For Test Regulars

Despite the BCCI’s repeated warnings, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer forgoing the Ranji Trophy to be ready for the IPL may end up being a godsend for the other Test regulars. Kishan and Iyer were the first to choose to play domestic red-ball cricket against the express directives of the Indian team administration. While Iyer informed Mumbai that he had a back ailment, which was refuted by Nitin Patel, the NCA chief head of sports science and medicine, Kishan remained in touch with the Jharkhand Cricket Association. Iyer, according to Patel, was healthy and ready to play.

Kishan hasn’t participated in a competitive cricket match since the home series against Australia in the previous year, while Iyer was omitted from the Test team despite being healthy following a run of poor performance in the format.

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Even more concerning to the board was the fact that this occurred only days after BCCI secretary Jay Shah sent an official letter to all the organizations and its contracted players stressing the value of playing local red-ball cricket when players are well enough to do so. An Indian Express story claims that BCCI has finally made the decision to develop an updated compensation plan to compensate Test players.

BCCI New Pay Structure

The article also stated that Kishan “opted to prepare for the IPL that begins next month, and instead of ignoring the team management’s calls to play domestic cricket.” This led to the decision.

An Indian international is now paid ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for an ODI, and ₹3 lakh for a T20I. However, with a new compensation model that suggests bonus levels for the Test regulars, that may see some modifications.

For instance, in addition to the yearly retainer contract, an individual should receive additional rewards if they participate in every Test series over a given year. This is to guarantee that more players show up for red-ball cricket. This would be an extra benefit for playing Test cricket.

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If a player is able to participate in every Test series that India plays in a given calendar year, they will be eligible for the bonus. This extra cash will incentivize young people to see the longest format equally in the age of T20 leagues and international cricket. Young players are increasingly missing local cricket to keep fit for the Indian Premier League (IPL), despite the fact that centrally contracted Indian cricketers are not permitted to participate in foreign competitions.

This new wage structure for Indian players would take effect following the 2024 Indian Premier League if it is approved.