Virat Kohli to be Paid Moderate Fee for Playing for Surrey

India captain Virat Kohli is expected to be paid a nominal fee for his services in County Championship representing Surrey.

A BCCI official recently made it clear that as opposed to the expected heavy amount of money to be shelled out by Surrey, Kohli would only get the necessary facilities at a moderate remuneration.

Earlier, there were rumours about BCCI not giving the NoC to the Indian captain, as Afghanistan was set to play their maiden Test match in India concurrently.

But, the Indian board fully supported the ace batsman to acclimatise for the English conditions he is unsure off. The last time Kohli paid a visit to the UK, he averaged slightly above 13 in the ten outings, falling prey to Anderson repetitively.

“Contrary to popular belief that Virat will cost a bomb for Surrey. But it was completely the other way round. Let’s get it clear. Surrey is paying airfare and accommodation. And also, a very nominal match fee during the month,” a BCCI official close to the matter told News 18.

Apart from Kohli, the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron, have been plying their trade in County to get some game-time under their belt.

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“Since the Board and Virat himself was very keen, the monetary part was least of concern for us. We are not at liberty to quote the amount. But it will be a very nominal amount that he will be paid. That is at par with any standard county player. We can vouch it’s a win-win deal for Surrey as well as for the BCCI,” added the official.

Further, Virat Kohli is scheduled to play as many as four ODD games apart from the four long format games in England. Also, the best batsman in the world, playing for Surrey is counter-productive to Surrey’s image.

“Obviously, Surrey wants to cash in on his image. But then Virat’s focus will be six games. (Three Royal London Cup 50 over games and Three County four day games),” continued the official.

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However, English greats such, as Bob Willis condemned the County’s move to allow a player like Kohli to get acclimatised to the issue.

But his RCB teammate, Chris Woakes, along with Surrey Director, Alec Stewart, believes the inclusion of Kohli would benefit players in the domestic circuit.

“There will be curiosity and marketing opportunities. But, we don’t want our captain to be unduly disturbed by peripheral activities. He is going there to prepare for England series. If he scores run, it helps Surrey,” concluded the official.