BCCI reportedly weighs Test match fee hike to push red-ball cricket

The BCCI is mulling a revision of the salary structure following wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan's decision to disregard the team management's advice to participate in domestic cricket, instead choosing to focus on preparations for the upcoming IPL beginning in March 2024.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly contemplating an increase in fees for Test matches, thereby emphasising the significance of the longest format of the game. The latest decision comes amid the recent trend of players apparently prioritising the Indian Premier League (IPL) over red-ball cricket.

According to an Indian Express report, citing sources, the board has decided to revise the salary structure following wicket-keeper batsman Ishan Kishan's decision to disregard the team management's advice to participate in domestic cricket, instead choosing to focus on preparations for the upcoming IPL beginning in March 2024.

The report suggests that if the proposed remuneration model gets approval, it will be implemented after the conclusion of the current IPL season. The BCCI is actively working on determining an additional bonus for players completing all Test series in a season.

"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," a source cited in the above report has stated.

Currently, the BCCI pays Rs 15 lakh as match fees for each Test, 6 lakh for ODIs, and 3 lakh for T20 internationals.