The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah on March 9 (Saturday) announced a massive incentive for Indian Test cricketers. The Indian cricket board's secretary Jay Shah announced the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' that is aimed at 'providing financial growth and stability' to cricketers. According to the new scheme, the Indian Test cricketers will be liable for an 'additional reward structure' other than the existing match fee for Test matches, which is set at Rs 15 lakh per match.
What is the structure of the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme?
As per the announcement, an Indian player participating in more than 75 percent of Tests in a season will earn a sum of Rs 45 lakhs per match. On the flip side, players who are not part of the playing XI but are part of the Indian Test squad for more than 75 percent of the matches in a season will earn Rs 22.5 lakhs per match.
Similarly, players playing more than 50 percent of Tests in a season will earn a sum of Rs 30 lakhs per match while the players who are not part of the playing XI but are part of the Indian Test squad for more than 50 percent of the matches in a season will earn Rs 15 lakhs per match.
The 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' will not be applicable for players who play in less than 50 percent of the Tests in a season.
The scheme will come into effect from the 2022-23 season.
“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.
The decision comes after the BCCI has been constantly urging the cricketers to prioritising red-ball cricket.
India win series 4-1 against England
India triumphed over England with a decisive victory by an innings and 64 runs in the 5th Test in Dharamsala, clinching the five-match series with a 4-1 lead, thanks to a stellar all-round performance from the team.
Day 1 featured Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional bowling, while the following day saw Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and other young Indian batters intensify England's struggles. Celebrating his 100th Test appearance, Ravichandran Ashwin captured a five-wicket haul in the second innings, playing a pivotal role in curbing England's 'Bazball' approach.
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