With the rising trend of players prioritising the Indian Premier League (IPL) while ignoring red-ball cricket, the BCCI is reportedly considering hiking the match fees for Tests.
Per Indian Express, the BCCI has decided to redraft its salary structure after its diktat asking players like wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer to turn up for Ranji Trophy matches was ignored by the duo, both of who instead opted to prepare for the IPL that begins next month.
Explaining the new remuneration model, a source in the board told the daily: “For example, if someone plays all Test series in a calendar year, he should be rewarded additionally, apart from the annual retainer contract. This is to ensure that players turn out for more red-ball cricket. This would be an additional perk for playing Test cricket.”
If the new remuneration model is approved, it will be implemented after this IPL season. The BCCI is working on the additional bonus a player will receive if he plays all Test series in a season. Currently, the BCCI pays Rs 15 lakh as match fees per Test, 6 lakh per ODI and 3 lakh for T20 internationals.
On Monday, India skipper Rohit Sharma had a stern message for players wanting to make the national Test team without putting in the hard yards — opportunities will only be given to those who show “hunger for success” in the “toughest” format.
“Jin logon ko bhookh hai, hum unhi logon ko mauka denge (We will give opportunities to only those who are hungry),” Rohit declared, making it clear that the team management is not willing to entertain players who do not display a burning desire to pe…
Asked if the cash-rich league is affecting the drive for Test cricket among young players, Rohit said, “Test cricket is the toughest format. If you want to excel and achieve success in this format, you have to show the hunger.”
