BCCI contemplating tripling test and first-class match fees to match IPL salaries - Reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating a significant increase in match fees for Test and first-class games to encourage red-ball cricket. The BCCI has held discussions with Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar regarding this matter.

On Wednesday, February 28, the Indian cricket board revealed the new contracts for 2023-24, omitting young players Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer. In the press statement, the board announced the central contracts without specifying the value of the different grades.

Both cricketers faced scrutiny for their absence from the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. Ishan Kishan had taken a break from cricket but was training in Gujarat, while Shreyas Iyer cited back spasms despite being declared fit by the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

The Ranji Trophy’s quality has declined over the past three seasons due to players’ injuries and workload concerns. The BCCI has expressed concerns that players prioritize the IPL over representing their state teams, leading to a notable decrease in the player pool.

BCCI Has Asked For Recommendations – Report

As per The Times of India, the BCCI is seeking recommendations from the Indian team management. The board is considering an increase in first-class remuneration to align with IPL earnings.

“The board has asked for recommendations from the Indian team management. They are taking a very aggressive approach towards maintaining the sanctity of the longest format of the game.

“It is imperative that players, who are committed to first-class cricket, are rewarded at a similar level as IPL cricket. That would mean that existing remuneration has to be multiplied,” a BCCI source told TOI.

“The recommendations are on the lines of increasing the Test match and first-class fees by three times. The idea is that if a player plays the entire Ranji Trophy, he should be able to make around Rs 75 lakhs which matches an average IPL contract.”

“It has also been suggested that if a player plays all Test matches in a year, he should be able to make Rs 15 crores which is at par for any marquee IPL contract,” the source added.

Based on the current structure, participating in all 10 Ranji Trophy matches in a season yields approximately Rs 25 lakhs for a player. This amount is marginally higher than the base price set in IPL auctions. In contrast, the fee for each Test match stands at Rs 15 lakhs.

The Board Has Not Announced The Value Of Contracts

The central contracts are categorized into four grades, valued at Rs 7 crore, Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore, and Rs 1 crore. While recommendations from team management and selectors are under review, the board is contemplating a substantial increase in player remuneration.

“The board may not agree to increasing the remuneration by three times at one go but they are considering meeting the players at mid-point. Even that should be a hefty raise. This is why the board has not announced the value of contracts. The board will have to decide if it wants to raise the match fees or make specified contracts accordingly.”

The BCCI introduced fast bowling contracts for Akash Deep, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa. The board acknowledged their standout performances across multiple tournaments such as Tests, IPL, and the Ranji Trophy.

Also read: Ravi Shastri reacts with “past achievements” remark as Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan lose BCCI central contracts