BCCI has done a couple of commendable jobs

BCCI have come up with a bonanza for the Indian first class cricketers. This is from a body that is not really known to treat even their international stars fairly. I am sure once this is passed, all the first class cricketers will benefit immensely. For once, I am pleased with what BCCI has come up with. Indeed, BCCI has done a couple of commendable jobs.

The earnings of the Indian first class cricket has been doubled. It was Rs. 35,000 per day. This has been increased to Rs. 60,000 per day for cricketers who have played in more than 20 games. As for the ones who have played in less than 20 games, the match fee will be Rs. 45,000 per day.

Rich pickings for the players

It actually means that for someone who has played more than 20 games, if he plays in 10 games this season and if all the games lasts for 5 days, every player stands to earn upwards of 25 lakhs. For the uninitiated, 25 lakhs for an Indian is an enormous amount.

This is a welcome step. Last year, with the Ranji season cancelled, the players, who are mostly amateurs would have suffered immensely. It wasn’t known whether the players were paid their match fee eventhough the season was cancelled. However, from this year onwards, the players will be thrilled. To receive double the payment for almost the same amount of work will help them financially.

Not all Indian players are professional

At the moment, the Indian first class scene is dominated by players who have a day job. This is mainly because it offers financial security. They can always fallback on their job if cricket does not work out for them. Now, because of this change, a lot more players will think of becoming professional. They will be in a position to dedicate more time towards their game and thereby increase the talent pool.

The BCCI for the first time have taken experience into account while distributing payment for the games. This is also a welcome move. It will motivate players to be invested in the game for a longer span.

There is one tiny problem in this revamp. What if the players to earn more money, instead of playing to win the game, tries to play safe and play for all the 5 days? Afterall, they get paid for the number of days they are on the field. Teams can easily decide to earn more money out of greed and ensure that the game is not won or drawn until the last day. This is something the BCCI will have to watch out for. Instead of daily wage, the BCCI could have come up with a wage range for the entire season or a fixed amount for the entire game. This will ensure that the teams do not bury ethics on the cricket field.

Ranji Trophy for 2021-22

Another good thing the BCCI have come up with is to schedule the 2021-22 Ranji trophy and first class competition season. There is no room for Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy. Irani Trophy has traditionally been the start of every first class season. It is played between the winners of last year’s Ranji Trophy and an all India eleven. It used to be a prestigious tournament until the late 90s.

However, it has lost all nostalgia and it is time this tournament is scrapped. Duleep Trophy must revert to the old first day games between the zonal teams. It is now being played between India Red, Green & Blue. No one, perhaps even the players cared about this tournament. It is a tournament good for nothing. Either Duleep Trophy must revert to the zonal competition it was or it must be scrapped all-together.

All said and done, these are a couple of good decisions by the BCCI. I really appreciate them for this.