In an effort to promote and prioritize Test cricket while recognizing consistent performance in the format, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled a groundbreaking initiative on March 9. Dubbed the “Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,” this program offers additional match fees to senior men’s team players who demonstrate excellence in Test matches.
Under this new scheme, players who participate in over 75 percent of Test matches in a season for India will receive an additional Rs 45 lakh per match. Currently, the BCCI provides Rs 15 lakh as the match fee to Test cricketers, solidifying its status as the wealthiest cricket board worldwide.
The scheme, which takes effect from the 2022-23 season, will also include provisions for distributing arrears to regular Test players. To facilitate this initiative, the BCCI has earmarked an additional Rs 40 crore per season.
Test Cricket Incentive Scheme
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ for Senior Men on March 9, with the goal of supporting athletes financially. Starting from the 2022-23 season, players will receive extra rewards along with their regular match fees for Test matches, which are set at ₹15 lakhs.
In a statement, BCCI secretary Jay Shah expressed his delight in launching the scheme, emphasizing its aim to provide financial support and stability to the players.
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, 2024Also Read: India Vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2024 Tickets Hit ₹1.86 Crore
Test Cricket Incentive Structure
In the upcoming season, players will receive bonuses based on how often they play. If a player participates in over 50% of the matches, they’ll get an additional ₹30 lakh per game. Those who play in over 75% of the matches will receive ₹45 lakh extra per match. Non-playing members will get half of these amounts. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
| Test Cricket Incentive Structure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | Assuming 9 Tests in a season | Playing XI incentive | Non-Playing XI incentive |
| Less than 50% | Less than 4 | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| More than 50% | 5 or 6 | Rs 30 lakh per match | Rs 15 lah per match |
| More than 75% | 7 or more | Rs 45 lakh per match | Rs 22.5 lakh per match |
A cricket player earns ₹15 Lakhs for each game they play, on top of their yearly retainer fee. This change means that players can now earn a significant sum, even if they are in the lower retainer bracket, as per cricket.com.
Why BCCI Introduced Test Cricket Incentive Scheme?
Introducing the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ marks a significant step towards recognizing the importance of Test cricket. This initiative is closely tied to our overarching goal of promoting Test cricket as the ultimate form of the game. We aim to highlight the invaluable efforts of our players and create an environment that cherishes the traditional format.
The scheme aims to motivate our cricketers to perform at their highest level in Test matches. It acknowledges the unique challenges of Test cricket and aims to reward outstanding performances while reigniting enthusiasm for the purest form of the sport. According to Jay Shah, Secretary of the BCCI, this initiative is geared towards celebrating excellence and fostering a renewed love for Test cricket.
BCCI’s Contract Changes
In February, the BCCI ended the central contracts of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan because they didn’t fulfill their domestic cricket commitments. Shreyas missed the last three Tests against England, and Ishan hasn’t played since November 2023.
This move by the BCCI aims to boost Test cricket, which is facing competition from T20 leagues that offer big money to players.
Additionally, the BCCI introduced fast-bowling contracts to encourage the discovery of new pacers and maintain the momentum in pace bowling for the senior national team.
Also Read: BCCI Remove Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer’s Contracts
Test Cricket Incentive Scheme FAQs
Q.1. What is the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme?
Ans. The Test Cricket Incentive Scheme is an initiative by the BCCI to offer additional match fees to senior men’s team players who excel in Test matches.
Q.2. How much extra do players earn under the Test Cricket Incentive scheme?
Ans. Players participating in over 75% of Test matches receive an additional ₹45 lakh per match, while those in the playing XI for over 50% of matches get ₹30 lakh extra per game.
Q.3. When does the Test Cricket Incentive scheme come into effect?
Ans. The Test Cricket Incentive Scheme comes into effect from the 2022-23 cricket season.
Q.4. Why did the BCCI introduce the Test Cricket Incentive scheme?
Ans. The BCCI introduced the scheme to prioritize Test cricket and provide financial support to players, aiming to uphold the importance of the format amidst growing T20 dominance.
Q.5. What other changes has the BCCI made to prioritize Test cricket?
Ans. Besides the incentive scheme, the BCCI also terminated contracts of players who didn’t fulfill domestic cricket commitments and introduced fast-bowling contracts to nurture new talent and maintain pace-bowling momentum.
