BCCI set to take massive step for red-ball cricket in face of players prioritising IPL over domestic cricket

Amidst the growing trend of players prioritising the Indian Premier League (IPL) over red-ball cricket, the BCCI is contemplating to give a salary hike to Indian Test players in a massive step to boost red-ball cricket.

This decision comes after wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan chose to overlook the team management's requests to participate in domestic cricket, focusing instead on preparing for the upcoming IPL next month. As a result, the board is looking to revise its salary framework for Test cricket. Apart from Kishan, Krunal Pandya and and Deepak Chahar also opted out of participating in Ranji Trophy matches for their state teams, choosing instead to conserve their energy for the IPL.

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Salary hike for Indian Test players?

The BCCI is reportedly contemplating an increase in Test match fees, thereby valuing the longest format of cricket more highly. A report by the Indian Express suggests that this decision to raise salaries comes in the wake of Ishan Kishan's choice to disregard calls from selectors and team management to engage in domestic cricket.

Describing the updated pay structure, a representative from the Board explained:

 “For example, if someone plays all Test series in a calendar year, he should be rewarded additionally, apart from the annual retainer contract. This is to ensure that players turn out for more red-ball cricket. This would be an additional perk for playing Test cricket,” a source privy to the development told Indian Express.

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Should the proposed pay structure receive approval, its implementation will occur following the conclusion of this IPL season. The BCCI is formulating a plan for an extra bonus that would be awarded to players who participate in all the Test series throughout a season. As it stands, the BCCI disburses Rs 15 lakh for each Test match, Rs 6 lakh per ODI, and Rs 3 lakh for each T20 international as match fees.

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Ishan, Shreyas to bear BCCI's brunt?

Reports are doing rounds that Kishan and Shreyas Iyer might be subjected to strict penalties for their absence from Ranji matches. According to this report, both players are at risk of losing their central contracts due to their disregard for the team management's requests.

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