BCCI hikes match fees of domestic players in compensation for last season

Last year the Ranji Trophy was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing financial trouble to many Indian cricketers. BCCI’s compensation package for these players was awaited for a long time.

The decision to pay compensation and increase the match fee was taken in the BCCI Apex Council meeting today.

BCCI General Secretary Jay Shah said on Twitter, “Cricketers participating in the 2019-20 domestic season will get 50 per cent additional match fee as compensation for the season 2020-21 lost due to the COVID-19 situation.”

Here’s how players will be paid:

Per day charges for top Ranji cricketers who have played more than 40 matches were also almost doubled ₹60,000. This will ensure the earning of these players ₹2.40 lakhs for first class matches.

Those who played 21 to 40 matches will be paid ₹50,000, while a player with less experience will be entitled to remuneration ₹40,000 per day.

The move is likely to benefit over 2,000 male cricketers from under-16 to senior level.

Shah also said that the increased match fees will be paid to the domestic players. As per the announcement, Under-23 and Under-19 category cricketers will get ₹25,000 and 20,000 per day respectively.

Earlier, in Ranji Trophy matches, the first XI player was paid ₹35,000 per day. Meanwhile, players for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy were paid Rs. 17,500 per game.

BCCI also announced remuneration for women cricketers and now senior players will be paid ₹20,000 per match instead ₹12,500.

The recommendation to increase the payment was made by an executive committee comprising former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin, Yudhveer Singh, Santosh Menon, Jaydev Shah, Avishek Dalmiya, Rohan Jaitley and Devjit Saikia.

(with inputs from agencies)