New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering introducing a new performance-based variable pay structure for the Indian players in a bid to increase accountability in the team. The move is being mulled in the wake of India’s disastrous run in Test cricket. After suffering a humiliating clean sweep against New Zealand in a Test series at home, India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 3-1 against Australia.
BCCI recently held a review meeting in Mumbai where India’s debacle in Australia was assessed. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar attended the meeting alongside the BCCI top brass. Discussions were held on a range of topics in the meeting in regards to India’s poor show in the Test series in Australia.
As per a report in Indian Express, a suggestion was tabled at the meeting to introduce a performance-based variable pay structure in the Indian cricket team. The motive behind the idea is to ensure the players can be held more accountable and face a pay cut based on their performances like corporate houses where employees are appraised annually.
If a performance-based variable pay structure is implemented, it will certainly increase accountability among the players as those not performing up to the expectations will be liable for a pay cut. “It was one of the suggestions given that players should be held accountable and if their performance is deemed not fit as per expectations, they should face variable pay-cuts,” a source was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
The Indian players are paid handsomely and are among one of the highest earners in the world as far as cricket is concerned. BCCI also introduced an incentive system for the Indian Test players last year to further increase their pay by rewarding them for consistency in the longest format. As per the incentive rule, any player that features in the playing XI for more than 50% of India’s Test matches in a season will be paid an incentive of Rs 30 lakh extra per game.
Any player who plays at least 75% of India’s Test matches in a season will be paid Rs 45 lakh extra per game as an incentive. BCCI implemented the incentive structure to ensure Test cricket remains a lucrative prospect for the players at a time when T20 cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL) is gaining popularity among the new generation of cricketers.
Players not giving importance to Test cricket
The report further claims that there is a feeling in the Indian team management that some players are giving less importance to Test cricket and ‘lack intensity’ when it comes to the longest format. The team management wants the players to prioritise Test cricket but they are not willing to give importance to the longest format of the game.
“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,” the source added.
BCCI and the Indian selectors have enough time to mull changes in the Indian Test squad as their next Test assignment will get underway in June this year when the Indian team travels to England for a five-match Test series which will also mark the beginning of their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly looking to introduce a new performance-based pay structure for the Indian players which will increase accountability in the team. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
