ICC plans $15 million fund to save Test Cricket from T20 exodus; receive backing from Jay Shah
Published - 23 Aug 2024, 06:38 PM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 11:25 AM
Table of Contents
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning to take a bold step in order to bolster the future of Test cricket. The ICC is reportedly considering introducing a dedicated fund of at least USD 15 million for Test cricket to address the growing concern over players migrating to the more financially rewarding T20 franchise leagues.
The idea was originally proposed by Cricket Australia (CA), and now this has gained attention and backing from key administrative figures from the various cricket boards, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
ICC plans major fund to boost Test Cricket amid T20 league boom
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is a leading candidate for the next ICC Chairman, has reportedly backed Cricket Australia’s (CA) proposal. It is being said that the reported fund is designed to enhance the minimum match fee for Test players, at least close to the lucrative offers from T20 leagues.
Additionally, the fund will assist in covering expenses related to overseas tours, providing financial support to cricket boards like West Indies, which face challenges in competing with the substantial salaries in T20 cricket. This move is seen as a crucial step to improve the demand for Test cricket.
It's fantastic to see some momentum behind the Test match fund: CA
A Sydney Morning Herald report reads: “The fund would ensure a minimum Test payment for all players, thought to be USD 10,000, and pay the costs of overseas tours for struggling countries.”
On the other hand, CA chairman Mike Baird said, “It's fantastic to see some momentum behind the Test match fund. We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white ball cricket.”
ICC’s planned Test Cricket fund faces uncertainty due to Star Network’s renegotiation demands
Meanwhile, the proposed fund is expected not to offer any benefit to the three richest cricketing nations—India, Australia, and England—since BCCI, CA, and ECB already provide substantial salaries to their players in the longest format of the game.
Additionally, the amount of money available for Test cricket from the ICC could be reportedly influenced by ongoing negotiations with broadcaster Star. Actually, Star is seeking to renegotiate its 2022 broadcast contract with the ICC, aiming to halve its original value of over USD three billion.
Know about BCCI's incentive program for Test players
Earlier this year, the BCCI launched a new incentive program aimed at motivating India's men's Test cricketers to prioritize the longest format of the game and consistently deliver top performances.
Under this scheme, players who will participate in at least 75% of India's Test matches during the annual season from October to September will receive a huge bonus of Rs 45 lakh per match, in addition to the standard Test match fee of Rs 15 lakh.
Those who play in 50–75% of the Test matches will earn a bonus of Rs 30 lakh per match. Players who are part of the squad but do not participate in the matches will receive half of the bonus amount.
Tagged:
ICC BCCI ECB Jay Shah Test Cricket Cricket Australia (CA)About the Author
Rashmi Wasnik is a passionate content writer with over a decade of experience. She started her journ...
