The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a significant step to revive Test cricket, a format increasingly overshadowed by the faster-paced T20 leagues. This move comes in the wake of India’s dominant 4-1 series win against England, and aims to incentivize players to prioritize the traditional format.
The new scheme, spearheaded by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, offers substantial financial rewards for players who dedicate themselves to Test cricket. Players featuring in the playing XI for more than half (50%) of the Test matches in a year will receive an incentive of Rs 30 lakh per match, on top of the existing Rs 15 lakh match fee. Even non-playing members of the squad for these matches will be entitled to a Rs 15 lakh incentive.
For players who truly commit to the Test format, participating in over 75% of their team’s Tests in a year, the rewards are even more lucrative. These players will receive a staggering Rs 45 lakh per match for being part of the playing XI, while non-playing members will still benefit with a Rs 22.5 lakh incentive.
This announcement follows the BCCI’s cancellation of contracts for players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, who opted to prioritize shorter formats and neglected domestic cricket. The aim is to encourage a renewed focus on Test cricket, fostering a generation of players passionate about the long game.
Dravid Welcomes Rewards, Cautions Against Prioritizing Money
While acknowledging the financial rewards, India coach Rahul Dravid expressed reservations about money being the sole motivator. He views the scheme as a “recognition” of the commitment and skill required to excel in Test cricket.
Dravid highlighted the unique mental and physical challenges of Test cricket, emphasizing that the rewards should act as recognition, not a financial incentive. He believes the intrinsic value and satisfaction of performing in Test cricket will continue to be the primary motivator for aspiring players.
“It is nice that the BCCI is recognizing it… I think it is a reward, not an incentive,” the India coach said after the Dharamsala Test. “Looking at the guys who came in and played in this series, I think everyone wants to play Test cricket. It’s just a recognition of what you need to be able to do to survive and play in Test cricket. It’s only when you get here that you realise that sometimes it’s quite tough and it is not easy but it is extremely satisfying.
In especially a series like this (the just-concluded five-Test series against England) and Test matches we’ve seen in the last 4-5 months, if they are well supported and well documented by people like you, I am sure that there will be a lot of people still wanting to play test cricket,” Dravid told the post match media conference.
“I really hope money is not going to be the incentive to play Test cricket. It’s just nice the hard work and how tough Test cricket can be is being recognised. So I wouldn’t see it as an incentive to make people play Test cricket, I hope not. I hope it never really comes to that. And it takes a special person to do what (R) Ashwin has done, to play 100 Test matches.
You go through a lot, and rightly so. You guys celebrated Ashwin today, and Jonny Bairstow, you’ve celebrated (Ben) Stokes a few games ago. Because I think all of you recognize how challenging the format is and what it takes to be able to have consistency and to be able to survive the test of time in this format. We don’t celebrate 100 T20s in the same way, do we?,” Dravid, who has played 164 Tests, said.
The Future of Test Cricket Lured by Money
The BCCI’s initiative offers a much-needed financial boost to Test specialists, potentially attracting more players to the format. However, concerns remain regarding the potential impact on pure passion for the game. Can Test cricket reclaim its former glory in the face of the fast-paced, high-octane world of T20 cricket?
The BCCI’s move marks a crucial step in this direction, but a delicate balance needs to be struck between financial rewards and the inherent love for the game that has always defined Test cricket. The true success of this initiative will be measured not just by financial gain, but by a renewed passion for Test cricket and the emergence of a new generation of players who value its unique challenges and enduring legacy.
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