In a significant move aimed at bolstering the financial prospects of domestic cricketers, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating a substantial increase in remuneration. The proposal, currently under consideration by Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee, seeks to ensure that players not involved in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) are adequately compensated, thus minimizing the disparity in earnings between IPL and non-IPL players.
While an immediate announcement regarding increased match fees is not imminent, there is a consensus within the BCCI that the remuneration for domestic cricketers needs to be significantly enhanced.
How much will the players earn now?
It is being suggested that players should be able to earn between INR 75 lakh to INR 1 crore annually if they have participated in 10 Ranji Trophy games.
The current payment structure sees players who have played more than 40 Ranji games receiving INR 60,000 per day, while those with 21 to 40 games receive INR 50,000, and those with 20 games or less receive INR 40,000. Reserves are paid INR 30,000, INR 25,000, and INR 20,000 respectively. This means that a senior cricketer could earn up to INR 25 lakh if his team reaches the final, with other players in the squad earning between INR 17 lakh and INR 22 lakh.
The move is part of a broader strategy to incentivize domestic players to participate in the Ranji Trophy, the premier domestic red-ball cricket tournament in India. In recent seasons, some players have opted out of red-ball cricket to reduce the risk of injury and preserve their fitness for the IPL. The BCCI’s efforts to increase the remuneration for domestic players aligns with its objective of promoting red-ball cricket and ensuring the longevity of the traditional format of the game.
Sunil Gavaskar’s endorsement of the move, suggesting that doubling or tripling Ranji Trophy fees would attract more players to the tournament and reduce withdrawals, reflects a broader sentiment within the cricketing community regarding the importance of recognizing and rewarding domestic talent.
“If the Ranji Trophy fees can be doubled or tripled, certainly there’ll be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, and a lot less pullouts from the Ranji Trophy, because if the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match are a good fee, there will be fewer people pulling out for various reasons,” Gavaskar said.
The proposal comes on the heels of BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s announcement of higher match fees for players participating in Test matches, further underscoring the board’s commitment to supporting and rewarding domestic cricketers.
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