The BCCI is considering the implementation of a remuneration structure aimed at incentivizing greater involvement in red-ball cricket, particularly amidst the prevailing inclination among players to prioritize preparations for the IPL. According to a BCCI source, players who participate in all Test series within a calendar year could receive additional bonuses, supplementing their existing annual retainer contracts. Indian captain Rohit Sharma recently emphasized the demanding nature of the format, stating, “This (Test cricket) is the toughest format. And if you want success and want to excel in this tough format then you need that “hunger”. Further, he laid stress on the importance of demonstrating a “hunger” for Test cricket, stating that it is pretty simple: the team will prioritize players who exhibit such dedication. Rohit’s message was clear, “We will give opportunity only to players who have that hunger.”
The BCCI’s decision to revise its payment system reportedly stems from Ishan Kishan’s decision to disregard team management’s requests to participate in domestic cricket activities. Kishan’s absence from competitive cricket since the home series against Australia last year, and Shreyas Iyer’s preference for IPL preparation over participation in the Ranji Trophy, have prompted the BCCI to introduce a new payment structure.
The choices made by Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer to prioritize preparation for the IPL over participation in the Ranji Trophy could potentially offer unforeseen benefits to other regular Test players. Initially, Kishan and subsequently Iyer opted to defy direct instructions from the Indian team management regarding their involvement in domestic red-ball cricket. While Kishan failed to engage with the Jharkhand Cricket Association, Iyer informed Mumbai of a back injury, a claim refuted by Nitin Patel, head of sports science and medicine at the NCA, asserting Iyer’s fitness for play.
Kishan has remained absent from competitive cricket since the home series against Australia last year, whereas Iyer, despite being fit, was omitted from the Test squad following a series of subpar performances in the format.
The timing of these events, occurring shortly after BCCI secretary Jay Shah’s official correspondence emphasizing the importance of participating in domestic red-ball cricket, is particularly concerning for the board. Regardless, the Kishan saga has sparked discussions and highlighted the narrative of players prioritizing IPL over Test cricket. BCCI secretary Jay Shah emphasized the importance of performance in domestic tournaments in a recent communication to contracted players and those on the targeted list, warning of potential consequences for non-participation.
Although Shah clarified to reporters that the message was not directed at any specific player, Indian captain Rohit Sharma reiterated the importance of commitment to Test cricket following the Ranchi Test match.
Currently, Indian players are categorized into four annual retainer grades – A+, A, B, and C – with corresponding remuneration of Rs 7 Cr, Rs 5 Cr, Rs 3 Cr, and Rs 1 Cr, respectively. In the retainership for 2022-23, Ishan Kishan was placed in Grade C, while Shreyas Iyer, who is also absent from domestic cricket, was placed in Grade B.
This revised model would potentially offer supplementary rewards to Test regulars, with bonuses contingent upon maintaining fitness and form across all of India’s Test series in a calendar year. Such measures aim to encourage players to accord equal importance to the longest format of the game amidst the growing influence of T20 leagues and international fixtures.
The bonus will be contingent upon a player maintaining fitness and form to participate in all of India’s Test series in a calendar year. Such additional financial incentives are anticipated to motivate young cricketers to accord equal importance to the longest format of the game amidst the prevalence of T20 leagues and international fixtures. While centrally contracted Indian players are restricted from participating in overseas leagues, the trend of foregoing domestic cricket to remain fresh for the IPL has gained traction among young talents. If approved, these changes are expected to take effect following the conclusion of IPL 2024.