Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel have been included in Group C of the BCCI’s central contract, entitling them to an annual retainership fee of INR 1 crore.
Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who made significant contributions during the recent Test series against England at home, were added to the BCCI’s central contract on Monday. They met the requirement of playing three Tests in the current season to qualify for the contract.
Last month, when the BCCI announced the annual retainers for the 2023/24 season, sparking controversy by omitting Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the list, it was revealed that Sarfaraz and Jurel would only receive central contracts if they played three Tests in the current season.
Both players made their debuts in the third match of the five-Test series against England in Rajkot and fulfilled the criteria by participating in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala earlier this month.
Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel earned their maiden Test caps in the recent home series against England
Sarfaraz and Jurel have been included in Group C of the BCCI’s central contract, entitling them to an annual retainership fee of INR 1 crore. Their selection was confirmed during the BCCI Apex Council meeting held on Monday.
Sarfaraz, a prominent figure in Mumbai’s domestic cricket, scored three half-centuries in as many matches against England, including two in his debut Test.
Meanwhile, Jurel played a crucial innings of 90 runs in the fourth Test in Ranchi, leading India to a series-clinching five-wicket victory after overcoming a first-innings deficit. His performance drew comparisons to MS Dhoni, and he was awarded the Player of the Match.
Scheduling for the Ranji Trophy
The BCCI Apex Council meeting also addressed the Ranji Trophy calendar for the upcoming season. It was decided that matches in the northern region would not be scheduled during December and January due to the prevalent fog and bad light conditions.
Though the comprehensive domestic calendar will be revealed later, the Apex Council did review the tentative schedule for the 2024/25 season.
“No decision has been taken yet but Ranji Trophy, like earlier years could start from mid or end October after the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which serves as an IPL auction platform. Some states are losing crucial points in do-or-die games because of inclement weather from mid-December to mid February,” a senior BCCI source told PTI.
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