The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a significant overhaul in its player payment structure, with plans to introduce variable pay linked to player performance. This corporate-inspired model could allow both rewards and penalties in monetary terms based on individual contributions and overall results.
Under the proposed system, players would face deductions in their earnings if their performances fall below expectations. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure accountability and incentivize excellence.
One example of a performance-based incentive already in place involves Test cricket participation. Players who feature in over 50 percent of Test matches in a season since 2022-23 receive an additional Rs 30 lakh per game. The incentive rises to Rs 45 lakh per match for players participating in at least 75 percent of the matches.
The system aims to prioritize Test cricket, ensuring it retains its importance amidst the growing focus on white-ball formats.
Concerns Over Test Cricket’s Decreasing Importance
The BCCI’s move comes amid concerns raised by the Indian team management about players’ diminishing focus on Test cricket. Despite its historic and strategic significance, the format is reportedly being treated less seriously by many players, who prioritize shorter formats like ODIs and T20s.
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“There was discussion whether the current players were a bit indifferent when India loses a Test match. The team management understands the value of Test cricket, but many players don’t give too much importance to it,” a source told The Indian Express.
The management has urged the BCCI to instill a greater sense of value for the prestigious Test cap among the next generation of players.
The potential introduction of variable pay comes amid administrative changes within the BCCI, with Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia assuming roles as secretary and treasurer, respectively. These changes are expected to usher in a more structured and results-oriented approach to managing Indian cricket.
Encouraging a Balanced Focus
With this proposed system, the BCCI hopes to strike a balance between rewarding performances in all formats and reinforcing the importance of the longest format of the game. It aims to ensure that Indian cricket continues to thrive across formats while maintaining the legacy of Test cricket.
