In an unexpected development, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to implement a modified payment system following the controversy involving Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. This decision follows the duo’s decision to withdraw from the Ranji Trophy 2023-24 domestic tournament, sparking discussions and criticism. The BCCI’s decision signals a strategic change aimed at promoting Test cricket, particularly among young players, a facet that has often been overshadowed by shorter formats of the game.
Amid observations that players often prioritize the Indian Premier League (IPL) over traditional red-ball cricket, the decision has emerged, as reported by the publication.
The BCCI intends to provide additional compensation to players who participate in all Test matches within a year. This additional payment will be in addition to their existing annual remuneration. The aim is to incentivize more players to engage in Test cricket by offering increased financial rewards. The BCCI anticipates that this approach will elevate the significance of Test matches in the eyes of players.
The proposed modifications are slated to be implemented following the conclusion of IPL 2024. The board is presently finalizing the specifics, including the precise bonus amounts for players who partake in all Test series during a season.
Currently, the BCCI provides ₹15 lakh per Test match, ₹6 lakh for each One-Day International (ODI), and ₹3 lakh for T20 internationals, according to the publication.