The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to introduce significant changes to its player policies, including a new performance-based pay structure. This move is aimed at improving team discipline and accountability, especially following India’s recent Test series defeats against New Zealand and Australia.
New Performance-Based Pay Structure
Under the proposed changes, BCCI plans to implement a performance-based pay system, which will see players potentially facing earnings reductions if their performances do not meet expectations. A source from the BCCI, as quoted by The Indian Express, emphasized that players should be held accountable for their performance, with the possibility of pay cuts if their performance falls short of the set standards.
Focus on Accountability and Discipline
The changes were discussed in a meeting held last Saturday in Mumbai, attended by BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Alongside the performance-based pay structure, the BCCI is also considering stricter travel guidelines. These guidelines would limit players’ families to accompanying them for only 14 days on longer tours and seven days for shorter tours.
Furthermore, players will be required to travel together on the team bus, regardless of their individual status. This rule extends to the support staff as well, including Gambhir’s manager, who will no longer have access to team facilities such as hotels and VIP boxes.
Performance Review and Concerns
India’s recent performances have raised concerns, particularly following a 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Key players, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have come under scrutiny, prompting the BCCI to take corrective measures. A detailed review of the team’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar series was conducted during the meeting, with an emphasis on areas for improvement.
BCCI’s Past and Future Initiatives
The BCCI has previously implemented an incentive system for Test players, which was introduced last year. Under this system, players who feature in over 50% of Tests in a season earn Rs 30 lakh per match, which increases to Rs 45 lakh for those playing 75% or more.
Looking ahead, India’s cricket team has a busy white-ball schedule, with a five-match T20I series against England beginning on January 22, followed by a three-match ODI series. The team will also prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy, which kicks off in the UAE on February 19.
These policy shifts reflect the BCCI’s determination to instill greater accountability and discipline within the team, as they look to bounce back from recent setbacks and set a stronger foundation for the future.
