The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering increasing the remuneration for domestic players. Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee has been tasked with making suggestions on implementing this idea. While an immediate announcement is unlikely, the national selection committee has discussed the proposal aimed at ensuring domestic players not participating in the IPL do not feel deprived.
Different plans are under consideration, but there is a consensus within the BCCI that the fees for domestic cricketers should at least be doubled. One line of thinking suggests domestic players should earn between INR 75 lakh to INR 1 crore annually if they play 10 Ranji Trophy games.
Currently, the BCCI pays INR 60,000 per day to players who have played more than 40 Ranji games, with lower amounts for fewer games. On this scale, a senior cricketer could earn up to INR 25 lakh if their side reaches the final.
The plan aims to encourage domestic players to participate in the Ranji Trophy, as some avoided playing red-ball cricket last season to avoid injury risks and stay fit for the IPL. The idea aligns with the BCCI’s target of promoting red-ball cricket, following secretary Jay Shah’s announcement of higher match fees for Test matches.
Sunil Gavaskar had welcomed Shah’s announcement and suggested doubling or tripling Ranji Trophy fees, stating, “If the fees of playing a Ranji Trophy match are a good fee, there will be fewer people pulling out for various reasons.”
