'Test cricket was...': India captain Rohit Sharma strongly reacts to 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' incorporated by BCCI secretary Jay Shah

Team India captain Rohit Sharma on March 10 (Sunday) lauded the decision taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah to formulate a new 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme'. Rohit reiterated his strong belief in Test cricket being the ultimate format of the sport and appreciated the BCCI secretary for leading the way in prioritising red-ball cricket in the country.

"Test cricket was & will be the ultimate format and it’s great to see @BCCI & @JayShah leading the way in prioritizing Test cricket," Rohit Sharma said in a tweet on X (formerly Twitter).

Test Cricket Incentive Scheme

On March 9, Jay Shah unveiled an innovative financial incentive plan for Indian Test cricketers, known as the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme'. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bolster 'financial security and growth' among players, introducing an additional reward system beyond the standard match fee of Rs 15 lakh per Test match.

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Under the newly introduced scheme, players who participate in over 75 percent of India's Test matches in a given season are set to receive a remarkable Rs 45 lakhs per match. Furthermore, members of the Test squad who don't make the playing XI but are included in the squad for over 75 percent of the season's matches will be rewarded with Rs 22.5 lakhs per match.

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For those athletes playing in more than half but less than 75 percent of the season's Tests, the scheme offers Rs 30 lakhs per match. Similarly, squad members not in the playing eleven but involved in more than 50 percent of the season's matches will receive Rs 15 lakhs per match.

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This incentive plan, however, does not extend to players participating in less than 50 percent of the season's Test matches. The 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' is set to be implemented from the 2022-23 season onwards, marking a significant step towards acknowledging and rewarding the dedication and hard work of Indian Test cricketers.

What did Jay Shah say?

Jay Shah took to social media platform X and announced the new scheme.

“I am pleased to announce the initiation of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' for Senior Men, a step aimed at providing financial growth and stability to our esteemed athletes. Commencing from the 2022-23 season, the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' will serve as an additional reward structure on top of the existing match fee for Test matches, set at INR 15 lakhs," Jay Shah said in a tweet on X. 

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