Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson—we can all agree that these three players are some of the most talented cricketers in the world. Yet, they didn’t get a chance to play in the T20 World Cup. Most countries would have them in their starting XI, but all of them were restricted to carrying the drinks. Despite that, the Indian cricket team won the tournament.
BCCI’s initiative
When it comes to cricket, talent is aplenty in India. To nurture and mold these gifted players, that’s the most important thing. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) realises this and has gone all in on player development. We aren’t just talking about international cricket but at every level of the sport in the country.
National Cricket Academy (NCA) Head VVS Laxman has revealed that the BCCI spends a lot of money on ensuring that cricket thrives in India. The plan isn’t just the next ICC tournament for the next 10 years. Laxman assumed the role in December 2021 and remains satisfied with the work he’s done. He feels that in the next decade, we’ll see many cricketers, both men and women, who’ll make India proud.
“I can say with a lot of confidence that in the next 10 years, we’ll have many players who will make our country proud. I’m not only talking about men. I’m also talking about women. We’re blessed to have that kind of talent. The whole idea is to monitor them and groom them so that they realise their potential,” Laxman told The New Indian Express.
Success, byproduct of investment
Just two days ago, the new NCA was inaugurated. We don’t know how much the BCCI spent on it, but to have a 45-acre space with 3 grounds, 86 pitches, a SubAir system and a hi-tech Sports Science & Medicine (SSM) block can’t be something cheap. This doesn’t even account for the several coaches, doctors and physios hired at not just the NCA but throughout India.
“I think one thing people don’t understand is that BCCI is spending a lot of money. I don’t want to tell the kind of money which we spend throughout the year, but it’s a significant amount. And that’s why I think our cricket is very healthy because the BCCI is investing in developing the bench strength, not only of cricketers but the entire support system, which will take Indian cricket forward,” Laxman added.
In the past couple of years, several of India’s top stars, like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, have suffered injuries. Not only has BCCI footed the bill for every medical expense but made sure that player don’t only the assistance of doctors and trainers but also mental health professionals guiding them during their rehab.
The BCCI organises hundreds of matches each year at all levels and even pays junior cricketers for putting in the work. Just recently, the board announced that a whopping Rs 7.5 lakh per match will be paid to players in the IPL 2025. Being the richest board in the world, the BCCI is taking steps to ensure that the most important part of cricket, the players, remain satisfied.
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