The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning significant changes to its player policies, including the introduction of a performance-based variable pay structure for contracted players. According to a report in The Indian Express, the move aims to ensure accountability and improve team discipline following recent Test series defeats against New Zealand and Australia.
The proposed pay structure will see players face potential earnings reductions if their performances fail to meet expectations. A BCCI source quoted by The Indian Express stated, Players should be held accountable, and if their performance is not fit as per expectations, they should face variable pay cuts.
Accountability and Discipline
The changes were discussed during a meeting in Mumbai last Saturday, attended by BCCI officials, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Alongside the performance-based pay structure, new travel guidelines are being considered. These include limiting players’ families to a maximum of 14 days during longer tours and seven days for shorter tours.
Additionally, players will now travel together on the team bus, regardless of their stature. The same rule applies to support staff, including Gambhir’s manager, who will no longer be allowed to use team facilities like hotels or VIP boxes.
Recent Performance Concerns
India’s recent performances have come under scrutiny following a 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The performances of key players, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, have been questioned, prompting the BCCI to evaluate corrective measures.
A detailed review of the team’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar series was conducted during the meeting, with discussions focusing on areas for improvement. A source privy to the discussions told PTI, “Do not expect a hurried decision from the new dispensation of BCCI.”
Past and Upcoming Initiatives
The BCCI has previously implemented an incentive system for Test players, introduced last year. Under this system, players featuring in over 50% of Tests in a season earn Rs 30 lakh per match, increasing to Rs 45 lakh for those playing 75% or more.
India is now preparing for a busy white-ball schedule. The team will face England in a five-match T20I series starting January 22, followed by a three-match ODI series. Subsequently, they will head to the UAE for the ICC Champions Trophy, beginning February 19.
These policy shifts reflect the BCCI’s efforts to instill accountability, discipline, and a stronger focus on performance as India looks to bounce back from recent setbacks.