The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is taking steps to address the growing trend of players prioritizing the IPL over the Ranji Trophy, the premier domestic red-ball tournament. Following their recent increase in Test match payments, the BCCI is now working on a plan to improve remuneration for Ranji Trophy players.
BCCI now aim to reward Red-Ball Cricket
“The BCCI is planning to increase the match fees to give more importance to red-ball cricket,” a BCCI official informed The Indian Express. This initiative comes after the introduction of the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme, which offers players a significant financial boost for playing Test matches.
Current Remuneration for Ranji Trophy and IPL Disparity
Presently, Ranji Trophy players receive a daily match fee between Rs 40,000 and Rs 60,000, depending on their experience. For a player participating in all seven group matches of a season, this translates to roughly Rs 11.2 lakh annually. This amount falls short compared to the IPL, where the base price for a player is Rs 20 lakh for a two-month T20 season.
Skipping Ranji Trophy for the IPL
This financial disparity has incentivized some IPL-contracted players to skip Ranji Trophy matches, prioritizing fitness for the lucrative T20 league or avoiding potential injuries. Statistics reveal that out of 165 Indian cricketers who signed up for IPL 2024, 56 did not play a single Ranji Trophy game, and another 25 participated in just one match.
Balancing Player Choice and Prioritizing Test Cricket
Legendary cricketer R Ashwin commented on the BCCI’s stance, acknowledging the importance of prioritizing Test cricket while respecting player choice. “They are saying Test cricket is paramount…we are going to promote it and expect people eligible to play this format,” he said. However, he added, “whether a cricketer wants to play all 12 months…is their choice.”
The BCCI, through its recent actions, is sending a clear message. By increasing payments for both Test matches and the Ranji Trophy, they aim to make red-ball cricket financially more attractive. This, coupled with the exclusion of India-capped players from central contracts for skipping the Ranji Trophy, demonstrates the BCCI’s commitment to strengthening the domestic first-class circuit.
