The remuneration for domestic players in India has long been a contentious issue, with many players feeling undervalued and underpaid for their contributions to the sport. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now considering addressing this disparity and increasing the earnings of domestic players who are not participating in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).
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Ajit Agarkar’s Selection Committee: Tasked with Proposing Solutions
The national selection committee, headed by the former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar, has been entrusted with the responsibility of suggesting ways to implement the idea of increasing the remuneration for domestic players. While an immediate announcement of increased match fees is unlikely, the committee has been engaged in discussions to explore viable options.
The Stark Reality: Domestic Players Feeling Deprived
The underlying aim of this initiative is to ensure that domestic players who are not part of the IPL do not feel deprived or overlooked. The BCCI recognizes the need to address this sentiment and provide a more equitable compensation structure for these dedicated cricketers.
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Consensus on Doubling Domestic Player Fees
It is understood that various plans are being considered, but there is a unanimous agreement among the BCCI officials that the fees for domestic cricketers must be at least doubled. This sentiment underscores the organization’s commitment to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of these players to the sport’s grassroots development.
Aspiring for Substantial Annual Earnings
Additionally, there is a school of thought suggesting that domestic players should be in a position to earn between INR 75 lakh and INR 1 crore annually, provided they have participated in 10 Ranji Trophy games. This proposed earning bracket represents a significant increase from the current remuneration structure and could potentially incentivize more players to prioritize domestic cricket.
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Current Domestic Player Remuneration Structure
At present, the BCCI pays the following match fees to domestic players:
- INR 60,000 per day for players who have played more than 40 Ranji Trophy games
- INR 50,000 per day for players who have played between 21 and 40 Ranji Trophy games
- INR 40,000 per day for players who have played in 20 Ranji Trophy games
Additionally, the reserves earn INR 30,000, INR 25,000, and INR 20,000 in their respective categories. Under this scale of payment, a senior cricketer could potentially earn up to INR 25 lakh if their team reaches the final, while others in the side could make between INR 17 lakh and INR 22 lakh.
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Earnings from Other Domestic Tournaments
Proportionately, domestic players also earn from other BCCI events, such as the white-ball tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. There is a strong likelihood that the remuneration for players in these tournaments will also be increased from the next season, as the BCCI is actively exploring ways to maximize the earnings of domestic players.
Encouraging Participation in Red-Ball Cricket
One of the primary objectives of this proposed pay hike is to encourage domestic players to participate in the Ranji Trophy, India’s premier domestic red-ball cricket tournament. Last season, a section of players avoided playing red-ball cricket to protect themselves from potential injuries, ensuring they remained fit for the IPL. The BCCI’s initiative aims to address this issue and align with its broader goal of promoting red-ball cricket in the country.
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Echoing Sunil Gavaskar’s Sentiment
The BCCI’s plans resonate with the sentiment expressed by the legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, who had suggested doubling or tripling the fees for domestic cricketers. Gavaskar had stated:
“If the Ranji Trophy fees can be doubled or tripled, certainly there’ll be a lot more people playing the Ranji Trophy, and a lot less pullouts from the Ranji Trophy, because if the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match are a good fee, there will be fewer people pulling out for various reasons.”
The BCCI’s commitment to increasing the remuneration for domestic players is a step in the right direction, not only to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of these cricketers but also to strengthen the foundation of Indian cricket.
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