The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is exploring options to boost the earnings of domestic players, with Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee entrusted with devising strategies for its implementation.
While an immediate announcement regarding increased match fees is not expected, discussions within the national selection committee have commenced on the proposed enhancements.
The primary objective is to ensure that domestic players not involved in the IPL do not feel disadvantaged.
Various proposals are being evaluated, but there is consensus among BCCI stakeholders that the remuneration for domestic cricketers should be doubled at minimum.
Additionally, there is a consensus that players should have the opportunity to earn between INR 75 lakh to INR 1 crore annually if they have participated in 10 Ranji Trophy matches.
Presently, the BCCI compensates players at different rates based on their Ranji Trophy experience.
Players with more than 40 Ranji appearances receive INR 60,000 per day, while those with 21 to 40 appearances earn INR 50,000, and those with 20 appearances or fewer receive INR 40,000.
Reserves receive INR 30,000, INR 25,000, and INR 20,000 in the respective categories.
Consequently, a seasoned cricketer could earn up to INR 25 lakh if their team reaches the final, with other players earning between INR 17 lakh and INR 22 lakh.
Additionally, players will receive compensation for participation in other BCCI events, such as white-ball tournaments like Vijay Hazare and Mushtaq Ali.
There is a strong likelihood that player remuneration will be increased in the upcoming season.
The overarching aim of the plan is to incentivize participation in the Ranji Trophy among domestic players.
Last season, some players opted out of red-ball cricket to mitigate injury risks and preserve their fitness for the IPL.
This initiative aligns with the BCCI’s objective of promoting red-ball cricket.
Notably, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had previously announced enhanced match fees for Test match players.
Sunil Gavaskar, while applauding Jay Shah’s announcement, advocated for doubling or tripling the fees for domestic cricketers.
He emphasized that higher fees for Ranji Trophy matches would reduce player withdrawals and enhance participation, thereby benefiting domestic cricket as a whole.
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