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In a move welcomed by domestic cricketers, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced a massive financial boost for its senior men's team. The MCA's apex council recently approved a proposal to double the match fees for Ranji Trophy players, effectively giving them a 100 per cent salary hike. This change will take effect starting with the 2024-25 domestic season. Previously, players received only the standard match fee set by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). Now, the MCA will contribute an additional matching amount on top of the BCCI fee.
“MCA will be paying additional match fees per Ranji Trophy game to each player from next season onwards. We felt that the players should earn more, especially those who play Ranji Trophy cricket. For us red-ball cricket matters the most as Ranji Trophy holds a special place for everyone in Mumbai,” MCA president Amol Kale said.
This decision translates to a substantial increase in earnings for Mumbai's Ranji Trophy players. As an example, for the recently concluded season (2023-24), a player who participated in all 10 matches would have earned between Rs. 17.20 lakh and Rs. 25.80 lakh, depending on their experience level. With the MCA's additional match fee, these same players can expect to take home at least Rs. 34.40 lakh next season, a significant increase.
For players who are just starting out in the Ranji Trophy, they earn Rs. 40,000 per day they play in a match.
“By aligning with BCCI’s match fees and providing additional support, the apex council aims to create a conducive environment for young cricketers to excel and hone their skills,” said Ajinkya Naik, the MCA secretary.
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The Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) decision to double match fee for Ranji Trophy players is seen as a potential solution to the ongoing debate over state association contracts for domestic players.
According to The Hindu, Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane has been advocating for player contracts or incentive programs for domestic cricketers for several years. The MCA's move suggests a way to bypass the complexities of formal contracts while still offering financial security to players.
This initiative by the MCA could be a turning point for domestic cricket in India. Other state associations, hesitant to implement player contracts due to concerns about player availability, might be inspired to adopt a similar model. The success of the MCA's approach in attracting and retaining talent could pave the way for a more standardized system of financial support for domestic cricketers across the country.
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