BCCI takes another step for red-ball cricket, set to increase Test match fees

The BCCI can take another big step in its effort to make the players prioritize red-ball cricket. The Indian board has been busy issuing directives to the players to play domestic cricket when they are not a part of the Indian team.

The BCCI took the measures after several players such as Ishan Kishan, Krunal Pandya, and Deepak Chahar decided to skip Ranji Trophy games for their respective state teams to save themselves for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). In its directive to the players, the BCCI has now made it mandatory for the players to play domestic cricket.

Reports also suggest that the board might make it mandatory for the players to play a minimum number of games in the Ranji Trophy to be eligible for IPL as well as the auction.

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BCCI contemplates match fee hike:

In its latest measure, the BCCI is reportedly considering a hike in the match fees for Tests, thus putting a premium on the longest format of the game. According to a report in the Indian Express, the board decided to hike the salary in the aftermath of Ishan Kishan’s decision to ignore the selectors and team management’s calls to play domestic cricket.

“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,” a source told the news outlet.

The report further stated that the salary hike will be implemented after the upcoming IPL season. The board is also additionally working on an additional bonus a player will receive if he plays all Test series in a season. At present, the players receive Rs 15 lakh as match fees per Test, 6 lakh per ODI, and 3 lakh for T20 internationals.

Meanwhile, a recent report suggests that Kishan and Shreyas Iyer could face severe punishment for not playing Ranji games. As per the report, both players could lose their central contracts for ignoring the team management’s calls.

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