In a groundbreaking announcement, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah revealed the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,' introducing a lucrative bonus structure for Test regulars like captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and others. The scheme aims to provide financial growth and stability to senior men cricketers, becoming effective from the 2022-23 season.

Shah, expressing his pleasure, stated, “I am pleased to announce the initiation of the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' for Senior Men, a step aimed at providing financial growth and stability to our esteemed athletes."

Under the scheme, players regularly featuring in India's Test squad and XI can earn additional rewards on top of the existing match fee of Rs. 15 lakhs for Test matches. The structure includes the following:

Players participating in more than 50% of India's Test matches in a year would receive an additional Rs.15 lakh per Test if in the squad and Rs.30 lakh per Test if in the playing XI.

For those playing more than 75% of India's Test matches in a year, the rewards increase to Rs.22.5 lakh per Test (squad) and Rs.45 lakh per Test (playing XI).

In a move to encourage Test regulars to prioritize the format, Shah highlighted that players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin, playing at least 7 Tests in a year where India plays 9, stand to earn an additional Rs.3.15 crore. This sum is separate from the regular Test-match fees.

The initiative reflects the BCCI's commitment to preserving and valuing Test cricket, responding to a trend where some players prioritize the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the traditional format. Shah emphasized the importance of domestic cricket as the foundation of Indian cricket, urging players to recognize its significance.

Earlier in February, Shah voiced concerns about the emerging trend of players prioritizing the IPL over domestic cricket, emphasizing the critical role domestic cricket plays in Indian cricket's vision. He underscored the board's clear vision that aspiring cricketers should prove themselves in domestic cricket before earning a spot in Team India.

"It is essential to recognize that domestic cricket forms the backbone of Indian cricket and serves as the feeder line to Team India. Our vision for Indian cricket has been clear from the outset - every cricketer aspiring to play for India must prove themselves in domestic cricket. Performance in domestic tournaments remains a critical yardstick for selection, and non-participation in domestic cricket will carry severe implications," Shah reiterated.

As the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' takes center stage, it marks a strategic move to elevate the status of Test cricket and incentivize players who contribute significantly to the format's success on the international stage.