BCCI : In a thrilling display of cricket prowess, the Indian cricket team emerged victorious against England in the fifth and final Test match held in Dharamshala, clinching the series 4-1.
This historic triumph marked the first time in 112 years that a team has managed to win four consecutive Test matches after losing the initial match of the series. The Board of Control for Cricket in India expressed immense pride in the remarkable performance of Team India, leading to a significant announcement in favor of the players’ financial incentives.
BCCI’s Response: Test Cricket Incentive Scheme
In response to the outstanding achievement of the Indian cricket team, the BCCI, under the leadership of Secretary Jay Shah, unveiled the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme.
This initiative aims to bolster the promotion of Test cricket and provide substantial financial rewards to the players. Secretary Jay Shah emphasized the importance of fostering financial growth and stability for the players through this scheme.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced, ‘I am pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ for the senior men’s team as this step has been taken with the aim of providing financial growth and stability to our players. The ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ from the 2022-23 season will act as an additional reward to the existing match fee of Rs 15 lakh for Test matches.
Increase in Match Fees
Under the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme, there has been a substantial increase in the match fees received by Indian players participating in Test matches. Players who feature in 75 percent of the matches in a season will receive a hefty sum of Rs 45 lakh per match. Additionally, players not included in the playing XI will still receive a commendable amount of Rs 22.5 lakh per match.
Additional Incentives
In addition to the match fee increment, players will be eligible for additional incentives based on their participation. Those included in the playing XI for 75 percent of the team’s total Test matches in a season will receive a total fee of Rs 45 lakh per match. Conversely, players who are part of the squad for 75 percent of the matches, irrespective of being in the playing XI, will receive Rs 22.5 lakh per match.
Graduated Rewards System
The Test Cricket Incentive Scheme introduces a graduated rewards system based on players’ involvement in matches. Players featuring in 50 percent of the matches will receive Rs 30 lakh per match if in the playing XI, and Rs 15 lakh per match if part of the squad but not in the XI. Those falling below these thresholds will continue to receive the existing match fee of Rs 15 lakh per match.
Implementation and Scope
Secretary Jay Shah clarified that the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme came into effect from the 2022-23 season, providing players with an additional reward alongside the existing match fee structure. To illustrate the application of the scheme, Shah offered examples based on the number of matches played in a season, ensuring transparency and clarity.
Rationale Behind the Decision
The decision to introduce the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme stemmed from instances where players, including Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, and Deepak Chahar, prioritized other formats over red ball cricket as mandated by the board.
This departure from the board’s directives, with players focusing on their Indian Premier League (IPL) commitments instead of Ranji Trophy cricket, prompted the BCCI to take proactive measures to incentivize Test cricket participation.
