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New Delhi: Following India’s dominating series victory against England, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah unveiled the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ for the senior men’s team. This initiative aims to provide players with additional incentives beyond the standard match fees for participating in Test matches. Shah, announcing the scheme on X (formerly Twitter), emphasized its role as an “additional reward structure,” supplementing the existing Rs 15 lakh match fee. The move seeks to foster financial growth and stability, particularly for players actively engaging in Test cricket.
I am pleased to announce the initiation of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' for Senior Men, a step aimed at providing financial growth and stability to our esteemed athletes. Commencing from the 2022-23 season, the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' will serve as an additional… pic.twitter.com/Rf86sAnmuk
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 9, 2024
The ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,’ set to commence from the 2022-23 season, has a budget of Rs 40 crore allocated for Test cricket. Notably, the incentive varies based on players’ participation percentages, reflecting the board’s dedication to preserving the traditional format of the game. Assuming a minimum of nine Test matches in a season, players participating in less than 50% or fewer than four matches will not be eligible for the scheme.
For those playing five to six Tests (more than 50%), the incentive is Rs 30 lakh per match for being in the playing eleven or Rs 15 lakh per match if not included. Players involved in more than seven matches (more than 75%) will receive Rs 45 lakhs per match (playing eleven) or Rs 22 lakh per match (not included in playing eleven).
This strategic move underscores the BCCI’s commitment to promote red-ball cricket, addressing concerns about players prioritizing the Indian Premier League (IPL) over longer formats. Shah expressed concern about this trend in February, highlighting the vital role domestic cricket plays in the development of Indian cricketers. The board emphasizes that aspiring players should first prove their mettle in domestic cricket, with non-participation carrying severe implications for national team selection. The ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ aligns with the broader vision of valuing and preserving the heritage of Test cricket in Indian cricket.
