'Hope money is not going to...': India coach Rahul Dravid fires direct warning to players after Jay Shah launches 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme'

India coach Rahul Dravid welcomed the new 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah and said it should be looked at as a reward for playing the 'hard format'. Dravid also made a strong reaction claiming that money should not be the primary reason behind players opting to play more of red-ball cricket.

"Hope money is not going to be the incentive to play Test cricket. It is nice to see that it is a recognition that it is a hard format. Nice that BCCI is recognising that. I hope it is not seen as an incentive to play Test cricket. Hopefully, it does not come down to that. It's a recognition that it is a hard format. It is a reward not an incentive," Dravid said in the press conference after the conclusion of India's home Test series against England on March 9.

What did Rohit Sharma say about the new scheme?

On Sunday (March 10), India captain Rohit Sharma expressed his approval of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme', a new initiative introduced by BCCI secretary Jay Shah. Rohit Sharma, an ardent supporter of Test cricket, praised the decision, highlighting the format as the pinnacle of the sport. He commended Jay Shah for his leadership in emphasising the importance of red-ball cricket in India.

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"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.

For those players 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.

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.

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