- Financial Reward for Test Regulars
- Lucrative Bonus Structure
- Reaffirmation of Commitment to Red-Ball Cricket
- Emphasis on Domestic Cricket
- A Step Towards Sustaining Test Cricket’s Legacy
In a bid to fortify Test cricket and incentivize players for their commitment to the longest format of the game, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has introduced the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’. Under this scheme, stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and other Test regulars stand to earn substantial bonuses, aiming to elevate the prestige and importance of Test matches in the cricketing landscape.
The newly introduced scheme promises significant financial rewards for players who exhibit consistency and dedication to Test cricket. Players who participate in more than 50% of India’s Test matches in a calendar year will receive additional bonuses on top of their existing match fees. These bonuses escalate further for those appearing in over 75% of Test matches, emphasizing the value of commitment to the red-ball format.
Under the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’, players stand to earn up to ₹3.15 crore annually, provided they meet the requisite criteria for match appearances. For instance, if key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin play a minimum of 7 Tests in a year where India plays 9, they become eligible for the maximum bonus payout, in addition to their regular match fees.
The introduction of this scheme underscores the BCCI’s unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity and significance of Test cricket. In light of growing concerns about players prioritizing T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the traditional format, this initiative aims to reiterate the board’s emphasis on the importance of Test cricket in nurturing talent and shaping the future of Indian cricket.
Jay Shah reiterated the pivotal role of domestic cricket as the cornerstone of Indian cricketing talent. He emphasized that performance in domestic tournaments remains a critical criterion for selection to the national team. The BCCI’s vision underscores the significance of players honing their skills and proving their mettle in domestic competitions before donning the national colors.
The ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ represents a proactive step towards ensuring the longevity and relevance of Test cricket in the contemporary cricketing landscape. By incentivizing players for their participation and commitment to the red-ball format, the BCCI aims to foster a culture where Test cricket retains its allure and remains the pinnacle of the sport.
The introduction of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ marks a significant milestone in the BCCI’s efforts to revitalize and uphold the legacy of Test cricket. By offering lucrative bonuses to players for their dedication to the longest format of the game, the board reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and promoting Test cricket as the ultimate test of skill, resilience, and character on the cricketing stage.
(With inputs from agencies)
