The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly exploring options to increase the fees for Test matches, signaling a move to reinforce the significance of red-ball cricket in the country. This decision comes in response to recent instances where players have seemingly favored participation in T20 leagues, particularly the Indian Premier League (IPL), over Test cricket.
According to sources cited in an Indian Express report, the BCCI is considering a revision of the salary structure, prompted by the actions of wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan. Kishan reportedly chose to prioritize preparations for the upcoming IPL, scheduled to commence in March 2024, over participating in domestic cricket, despite recommendations from the team management.
The proposed remuneration model, if approved, is expected to be implemented post the conclusion of the ongoing IPL season. As part of the plan, the BCCI is actively working on introducing additional bonuses for players who complete all Test series in a calendar year. This incentive is aimed at encouraging players to actively engage in Test cricket and contribute to the longer format.
A source mentioned in the report stated, “For example, if someone plays all Test series in a calendar year, he should be rewarded additionally, apart from the annual retainer contract. This is to ensure that players turn out for more red-ball cricket. This would be an additional perk for playing Test cricket.”
Presently, the BCCI pays Rs 15 lakh as match fees for each Test, Rs 6 lakh for One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Rs 3 lakh for T20 internationals. The potential hike in Test match fees is seen as a strategic move to address the imbalance in players’ preferences and bolster the importance of Test cricket on the domestic cricketing landscape.
