The traditional Test format is directly at loggerheads with limited-overs cricket for its existence. The situation is getting grim, especially with new T20 leagues that are cropping up across the world.
With that in mind, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) came up with a new ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ to inspire players to feature more in Test cricket and level the pay gap between the two formats.
So what’s this Test Cricket Incentive Scheme all about? And how players will benefit from it?
In this piece, we’ll look at the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme announced by the BCCI.
The Aim Behind BCCI’s Test Cricket Incentive Scheme
As you know, Test cricket is the ultimate format in the gentleman’s game. The format has been around since cricket’s inception somewhere in the 16th century.
Right now, the format is struggling to keep it afloat among the flurry of new T20 leagues. So the big cricket boards are taking some steps.
On March 9, 2024, the BCCI revealed this encouraging scheme for the senior Indian men’s Test cricket team. Through the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme, the board wants to motivate players to feature in Test or First-Class cricket more regularly.
Apart from that, the scheme aims to increase the financial prospects of some of the renowned players. It will also help bridge the gap between exorbitant pay cheques offered to players in T20 leagues.
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So how does the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme work?
Through the scheme, the BCCI will reward players for playing in as many Test matches as possible in a season. Before the scheme kicked off, the playing XI members would receive INR 15 lakhs per Test match, while the non-playing XI members would get INR 7.5 lakhs in match fees.
But, now, apart from the basic match fees, players stand a chance to earn a maximum of INR 45 lakhs per Test match. However, the scheme comes with certain rules.
The Test Cricket Incentive Scheme has a reward structure in place, according to which players will receive the additional amount.
If a player features in a playing XI in more than 75% of matches in a season, he will earn INR 45 lakhs per Test, while the non-playing XI member will get INR 22.5 lakhs. So if a player plays seven or more matches in a season that has nine Tests, he will receive the full amount, while the reserve gets the half.
Further, if a player appears in more than 50% of Tests in a season, he will get INR 30 lakhs per match as an incentive, while the reserve will earn INR 15 lakhs. And if a player features in less than 50% of matches, he won’t be eligible for the scheme.
Final Words
The BCCI’s step to initiate the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ is much applaudable. The scheme will help players attain financial security, especially those who only feature in the longer format or don’t have big deals in the IPL. Plus, this will encourage the upcoming cricketers to prioritise red-ball cricket over limited-overs cricket.
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