India Cricket Board set up new plan to make Test cricket more lucrative for India players

The India Cricket Board is considering increasing Test match fees and offering additional incentives to attract players to the traditional format. This decision comes in response to players such as Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer showing hesitancy to participate in domestic cricket, as they prioritize preparation for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). If introspected a decision something like that to prioritize the longest format of the game was about to be taken.

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Despite multiple admonitions from India Cricket Board secretary Jay Shah, these players remain resolute in their choice to bypass red-ball cricket. Talks about potentially removing such players from the central contract list are underway, but the decision to take such a drastic measure remains uncertain. The cricket community eagerly anticipates the result of these discussions as the board endeavors to preserve the integrity of Test cricket.

“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,” an India Cricket Board source said as reported by The Indian Express.

Test cricket is the toughest format: Rohit Sharma

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Currently, players earn ₹15 lakh per Test, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20I. In addition to it, the reports also suggest a significant revision in the Test match pay structure may be imminent. Moreover, players who participate in all Test series for India within a calendar year are set to receive additional bonuses on top of their central contract fees. These proposed changes underscore the board's dedication to enhancing the essence of Test cricket and rewarding players for their commitment to the format.

The India Cricket Board is preparing to introduce a new remuneration model following the conclusion of the upcoming IPL season. Under consideration is an additional bonus scheme for players who complete all Test series in a season. Rohit Sharma also shared his thoughts on the matter, addressing it after Team India's triumph over England in the Ranchi Test.

"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. It is very important. We will give opportunity only to players who have that hunger. You come to know the players who don't have that hunger or players who don't want to stay here,” Rohit said during the post-match press conference.

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