BCCI introduces 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' for Senior Men’s team

After fast bowling contracts, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced another path-breaking move, in the form of 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' where players with more caps during a season will be paid more, according to the slab they fit in. Right after India’s domineering 4-1 series win against England, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced the new incentive. 

“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 reward structure on top of the existing match fee for Test matches, set at INR 15 lakhs,” Shah wrote on X.

According to the new scheme, a player who represents more than 50% of the matches in a season will be paid 30 Lakhs extra per match apart from the match fees, whereas a player who represents more than 75% of games will be paid an extra 45 Lakhs per match. Non-playing members of the size will be paid 50% of the amount.

A playing XI member currently makes 15 Lakhs per game apart from the central retainer amount they are paid annually. However, with the current move, players can make a sizeable amount of money even though they fall under a lower bracket in the retainers.