During the recent meeting that was held in order to analyze the Indian team’s disappointing 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, a massive suggestion was put forward.
Present at the meeting to review the series defeat were captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of senior selection committee Ajit Agarkar.
According to a report by The Indian Express, a performance-based variable pay structure was put forward and it was done to ensure that the players are more ‘accountable’. The report further stated that the players can face pay-cuts based on their performances.
“It was one of the suggestions given that players should be held accountable and if their performance is deemed not fit as per expectations, they should face variable pay-cuts,” a source said.
Last year, BCCI also introduced an incentive system for the Test players. According to it, players who have featured in the playing XI of more than 50 per cent of Tests in a season since 2022-23 would receive a financial incentive of Rs 30 lakh per game. The payout increases to Rs 45 lakh per game for every player who features in at least 75 per cent of matches in a season.
Another issue that was reportedly discussed at the meeting was some players giving less importance to the longest format and preferring white-ball formats. The team management believes that the board needs to take action so that the next generation of players know about the importance of Test cricket.
“There was discussion whether the current players were a bit indifferent when India loses a Test match. The team management understands the value of Test cricket but many players don’t give too much importance to it,” the source said.
