Push for red-ball cricket: BCCI considers hike in Test match fees

WITH THE recent trend of players opting to save themselves for the Indian Premier League (IPL) while ignoring red-ball cricket, the BCCI is now considering a hike in the match fees for Tests, thus putting a premium on the long-form game.

It is learnt that the board decided to redraft the salary structure in the wake of wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan ignoring the team management’s calls to play domestic cricket, and instead opting to prepare for the IPL that begins next month.

Explaining the new remuneration model, a source in the Board said: ‘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.’

If the new remuneration model is approved, it will be implemented after this IPL season. The BCCI is working on the additional bonus a player will receive if he plays all Test series in a season. Currently, the BCCI pays Rs 15 lakh as match fees per Test, 6 lakh per ODI and 3 lakh for T20 internationals.