If you’re a domestic cricketer in Mumbai, your hard work on the Maidan just got a major financial cushion. Following a recent Apex Council meeting, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has officially introduced a graded contract system effective from the 2026-27 season.
This initiative is a massive win for the ones who don’t get the IPL contract or the Team India cap easily and find it hard to sustain their passion of keep going. Those who consistently perform in the Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) or the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) and get unlucky with IPL picks, can now earn as much as Rs 20 Lakh Per Anum (LPA).
The Eligibility: Who Gets In?
The MCA isn’t just looking at runs and wickets; they’ve set a specific criteria to ensure the money reaches the most deserving domestic talent. To qualify for a contract, a player:
- Must be registered with the MCA.
- Must meet minimum fitness benchmarks set by the association (including the Yo-Yo test).
- The “Two-Season” Rule: Should not have represented the Indian team in any format in the past 2 seasons.
- The IPL Clause: Should not have been selected or retained by any IPL team in the past 2 seasons.
- Selection Recommendation: Must be endorsed by the MCA’s senior and age-group selection committees.
Grades and Remuneration: The Salary Breakdown
The contracts are divided into three distinct brackets. Initially, about 25-30 players are expected to benefit from this rollout.
| Grades | Remuneration (per annum) |
| A | Rs. 12,00,000/- to Rs. 20,00,000/- |
| B | Rs. 8,00,000/- to Rs. 12,00,000/- |
| C | Rs. 8,00,000/- |
How Much is the Top Salary Bracket?
The top salary bracket for a Mumbai domestic player under this new system is Rs. 20 Lakhs per annum (Grade A).
For a player at the highest level of Grade A, this translates to a steady monthly retainer of approximately Rs. 1.66 Lakhs. This is entirely separate from match fees. When you combine this with the MCA’s policy of matching BCCI match fees (approx. Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 60,000 per day), a top Mumbai player can now earn a very professional and stable livelihood without needing an IPL contract.
The Push To Sustain The Mumbai Grind Of Red-Ball Cricket
By becoming the first state association to implement this, the MCA is setting a new gold standard for domestic cricket in India. It provides a professional career pathway and financial security, ensuring that the next generation remains committed to red-ball cricket and the legendary legacy of Mumbai.