India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, expressed his admiration for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the announcement of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. BCCI President Roger Binny and Shah emphasized that this initiative acknowledges and rewards players’ efforts, endorsing Test cricket as the “pinnacle of the sport.”
This development is well-received in the cricketing community, particularly in light of controversies surrounding certain players opting out of red-ball cricket. “Test cricket remains the ultimate format, and it’s commendable to see @BCCI & @JayShah taking the lead in prioritizing Test cricket,” stated Rohit after Jay Shah’s announcement.
In an official release, the BCCI revealed, “BCCI is 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. This scheme is not only designed to encourage players to engage in the purest format of the sport but also addresses the evolving dynamics of the cricketing landscape, ensuring parity with match fees in other formats and league cricket,” the statement added.
Commencing from the 2022-23 season, the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ will act as an additional reward structure alongside the existing Test match fee set at INR 15 lakh. “We are thrilled to introduce the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,’ reaffirming our dedication to the well-being and encouragement of our senior men cricketers. This initiative aligns with our vision of promoting Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport,” said the BCCI president.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah emphasized that the incentive would serve as an “additional reward structure” on top of the existing match fees of Rs 15 lakh, providing “financial growth” and “stability” to players participating keenly in Test cricket. “The ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ is a progressive move to acknowledge the significance of Test cricket. This pioneering initiative is intricately aligned with our broader vision, which is focused on the promotion of Test cricket as the undisputed pinnacle of the sport.
As we embark on this journey, we are not only recognizing the invaluable contributions of our players but also fostering an environment that values and prioritizes the essence of the traditional format of the game,” stated Jay Shah. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla emphasized that Test cricket holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, embodying the essence of the sport.
The introduction of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ is seen as a strategic move, aiming beyond financial considerations to serve as a motivational catalyst. “Test cricket undeniably occupies a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. It embodies the essence of the sport, demanding skill, endurance, and a strategic approach.”
“The introduction of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ is a strategic move that goes beyond mere financial considerations. While it undoubtedly aims to provide players with a sense of financial stability, its broader purpose is to serve as a motivational catalyst,” commented Rajeev Shukla. BCCI Honorary Treasurer Ashish Shelar emphasized the fundamental role of recognizing and rewarding players’ dedication to Test cricket in preserving the essence of the sport.
“Serving as the guardians of the game, we bear a profound responsibility to uphold the values and aspirations of cricket. Recognizing and rewarding the unwavering dedication that players invest in Test cricket is fundamental to preserving the essence of the sport. The introduction of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ is a significant stride in fulfilling this responsibility, as it signifies a deliberate step toward providing our players with the stability and growth opportunities they rightfully deserve,” highlighted Ashish Shelar.
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