BCCI in talks to match Ranji Trophy and test cricket fee with that of IPL contracts - Reports

The BCCI has directed central contracted players to focus on domestic cricket while not on national duty.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Wednesday, 28th February, 2024, announced a 30-member list of annual centrally contracted players. Under this announcement, BCCI also mentioned categorically that all players with central contracts should give priority to Indian domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy and others when they are not on national duty.

The Board is now in talks to match Ranji Trophy match fee with the IPL contracts to bring more interest towards domestic setup. According to reports from Times of India, the BCCI is still in deliberation mode to value the annual central contracts and make it more lucrative for players. This deliberation is going on for the red-ball cricket where BCCI’s motive is bring interest of players in domestic cricket.

BCCI in talks with management

According to reports from Times Of India, BCCI management is in talks with national selector Ajit Agarkar, captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid to discover ways to revive First Class (FC) cricket in India. They have suggested to increase the remuneration and match it with IPL contracts. The Board has received the proposal for both FC and test cricket.

As quoted by Times of India, a source told, “The Board has asked for recommendations from the management. They are taking a very aggressive approach towards maintaining the sanctity of the longest format of the game. It is imperative that players, who are committed to first class cricket, are rewarded at a similar level as IPL cricket. That would mean that existing remuneration has to be multiplied.”

Currently players receive INR 25 lakhs if they play 10 matches in Ranji Trophy season. Meanwhile, the least priced contract in the IPL is worth 20 lakhs. The board if mulling for a massive hike. Players might get around INR 75 lakhs for Ranji Trophy to remain engaged with the tournament. According to the same reports, Indian domestic cricketers play Ranji Trophy in full throttle till IPL auction gets underway, and then pull out of Ranji Trophy.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.