India captain Rohit Sharma was filled with reward for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ announcement by the board’s secretary Jay Shah. The Board president Roger Binny and Shah stated that the initiative acknowledges and rewards the efforts of gamers, selling Test cricket as “pinnacle of the sport”. The initiative comes as a welcome transfer by the cricketing fraternity, particularly within the wake of the controversy surrounding sure gamers’ determination to skip red-ball cricket.

“Test cricket was & will be the ultimate format and it’s great to see @BCCI & @JayShah leading the way in prioritizing Test cricket,” Rohit stated after Jay Shah’s announcement.

Test cricket was & would be the final format and it is nice to see @BCCI & @JayShah main the best way in prioritizing Test cricket. https://t.co/bEZpBAt6Ck

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 10, 2024

In a launch, the BCCI stated: “BCCI is 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.”

“This scheme is not only designed to encourage players to engage in the purest format of the sport but also addresses the evolving dynamics of the cricketing landscape, ensuring parity with match fees in other formats and league cricket,” it added.

Commencing from the 2022-23 season, the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ will function a further reward construction on high of the prevailing match charge for Test matches, set at INR 15 lakh.

“We are thrilled to introduce the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,’ reaffirming our dedication to the well-being and encouragement of our senior men cricketers. This initiative aligns with our vision of promoting Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport,” BCCI president stated.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah acknowledged that the motivation would function an “additional reward structure” on high of current match charges of Rs 15 lakh for gamers. The transfer will present “financial growth” and “stability” to gamers who take part keenly in essentially the most revered format of the game.

“The ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ is a progressive move to acknowledge the significance of Test cricket. This pioneering initiative is intricately aligned with our broader vision, which is focussed around the promotion of Test cricket as the undisputed pinnacle of the sport. As we embark on this journey, we are not only recognizing the invaluable contributions of our players but also fostering an environment that values and prioritizes the essence of the traditional format of the game. This scheme is designed to inspire our cricketers to contribute their absolute best to the longer format of the game. It is a recognition of the unique challenges and demands that Test cricket poses, and through this initiative, we seek to not only reward excellence but also cultivate a renewed passion for the purest form of the sport,” Jay Shah stated.

BCCI vice chairman Rajeev Shukla stated that the Test format undeniably inhabits a memorable place within the hearts of cricket fanatics worldwide.

“Test cricket undeniably occupies a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. It embodies the essence of the sport, demanding skill, endurance, and a strategic approach. The introduction of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ is a strategic move that goes beyond mere financial considerations. While it undoubtedly aims to provide players with a sense of financial stability, its broader purpose is to serve as a motivational catalyst,” he stated.

BCCI honorary treasurer Ashish Shelar stated rewarding the dedication that gamers spend money on Test cricket is prime to preserving essence of the game

“Serving as the guardians of the game, we bear a profound responsibility to uphold the values and aspirations of cricket. Recognizing and rewarding the unwavering dedication that players invest in Test cricket is fundamental to preserving the essence of the sport. The introduction of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ is a significant stride in fulfilling this responsibility, as it signifies a deliberate step toward providing our players with the stability and growth opportunities they rightfully deserve,” he stated.

With ANI inputs