'Rs 45L per game': BCCI's new scheme to promote Tests

NEW DELHI: The

Board of Control for Cricket in India

(

BCCI

) unveiled a new reward scheme on Saturday aimed at promoting

Test cricket

and providing

financial incentives

to

Indian cricketers

.
In line with their commitment to emphasize the

traditional format

of the game, the BCCI announced the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,' designed to encourage budding cricketers to participate in Test matches.

BCCI secretary

Jay Shah

took to social media to announce the initiative, stating, "I am pleased to announce the initiation of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' for Senior Men, a step aimed at providing financial growth and stability to our esteemed athletes."
The scheme, effective from the 2022-23 season, offers additional rewards on top of the existing match fee for Test matches, set at INR 15 lakh.

Assuming that atleast nine Test matches are in a season, players playing less than 50 per cent or less than four matches will not be applicable for the scheme.
Players who play five-six Tests (more than 50 per cent) will be given the incentive of Rs 30 lakh per match on being in playing eleven or Rs 15 lakh per match if not included in playing eleven.
Players who play more than seven matches (more than 75 per cent) of matches will be given an incentive of Rs 45 lakhs per match on being included in playing eleven or Rs 22 lakh per match if not included in playing eleven.

Shah's announcement coincided with India's triumph in the ongoing five-match Test series against England in Dharamsala. In the series finale, a dominant Indian team secured a comprehensive victory, defeating England by an innings and 64 runs to clinch the series 4-1.
England struggled against India's formidable spin attack, with off-spinner

Ravichandran Ashwin

delivering a stellar performance, claiming five wickets for 77 runs in his 100th Test appearance.

England's batting faltered, with Joe Root's 84 being the only notable contribution as they were bowled out for 195 in their second innings on day three.
Notably, it was England's first series defeat under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, highlighting India's dominance in the traditional format of the game.
The introduction of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' reflects the BCCI's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting Test cricket's significance in Indian cricketing culture. This initiative is poised to incentivize players and inspire future generations to excel in the longest format of the game.