Following a long wait, BCCI has made an announcement that will please a lot of domestic cricketers. This is because the board has confirmed that they will compensate players who have suffered financial difficulties after last season’s domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy and women’s T20 games were cut short due to the pandemic.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah made this announcement on Twitter and mentioned the exact amount of increase in match fees for domestic players.
“I am pleased to announce the hike in match fee for domestic cricketers. Seniors – INR 60,000 (above 40 matches). Under 23- INR 25,000, Under 19 – INR 20,000 #BCCIApexCouncil.
Cricketers who participated in 2019-20 Domestic Season will get 50 per cent additional match fee as compensation for season 2020-21 lost due to COVID-19 situation,”
Furthermore, the BCCI has changed the pay structure of domestic players to award their efforts. Earlier players who made into the playing 11 received Rs. 35,000 per day and reserve players used to earn Rs 17,500.
However, with the changes in the pay structure, senior players who are regular in the playing 11 will earn Rs.40,000 and reserves will earn Rs. 20,000. In addition to that, domestic players who have made the starting lineup for more than 20 matches will earn Rs.50,000.
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BCCI council members explain the reason behind pay hike for Domestic players
Jay Shah who is the secretary of BCCI mentioned in a statement that the council has brought in a good pay structure that will help players financially in the long run.
“The increase of match fee for domestic cricketers is a welcome step and this will move will ensure that professional cricketers can solely focus on playing cricket and are appropriately rewarded. Domestic cricket is our backbone and we will make every effort to keep it strong and healthy so that our bench strength always remains superior.”
BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhrumal also explained that the categories of salary for every domestic player is introduced on consistency basis and is not tournament specific. This move where domestic players will earn a larger sum for their efforts is a great decision by the board.
“If a player features in just one match of a Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament in a season but if that turns out to be the 21st match of his career, then he will automatically move to the next pay slab,” Dhumal told this paper. “It’ll be similar with Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare tournament. The idea was to help cricketers earn more money and the longer they play, the better the remuneration they will get.”
This is a great decision by the board as domestic players suffered a lot due to the pandemic. In addition to that, the increased pay hike for players will motivate them more and help the Indian side in future.
