• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 03/09/2024
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In a groundbreaking turn of events, the BCCI has announced a “test Cricket Incentive Scheme” to encourage and support players who play the longest format of the game.

According to this incentive scheme, players who feature in 75% or more Test matches in a season will have their match fees increased by 300%.

ESPNcrickinfo perfectly illustrated this scheme. In their report, they mentioned that the scheme will also be applied for the 2022/23 season. This means that Cheteshwar Pujara, who featured in 9 matches, which amounts to 77% of games of that season, will earn (INR) 45 Lakhs per test in addition to his match fees of INR 15 Lakhs per game. As a result, the player will earn a total of 4.2 crores instead of the original sum of 1.05 crores.

BCCI announces 300% incentive for Test Cricket

Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, officially announced the incentive after India’s thumping series victory over England at Dharamshala. The hosts defeated the visiting side by a margin of an inning and 64 runs to clinch the series 4-1.

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… pic.twitter.com/Rf86sAnmuk

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 9, 2024

Jay Shah made a social media post on the X (formerly Twitter), calling this a “step aimed at providing financial growth and stability” to players who represent the Indian Test team. This scheme will ensure that players featuring in 50% to 75% of games will likely earn INR 30 Lakhs per test in addition to their original fees. However, players who fail to play 50% of the game will not be eligible for the same.

Also Read Ind vs Pak T20 World Cup 2024: ICC Shares Glimpses of Venue

Initiative to keep red-ball cricket alive

This decision came after the BCCI sternly decided against players who skipped domestic cricket, especially Ranji Trophy matches. Players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer failed to turn up for their state association despite being fully fit; they faced the wrath of the board and were axed from the central contract.

Hopefully, this move will encourage players to look forward to participating in and representing their country in red-ball cricket and not let the glimmer of white-ball cricket dampen the glory of Test Cricket.