Salaries of Indian domestic and international cricketers set to double

What's the story?

Salaries of both domestic Indian players and Indian internationals are likely to double in the upcoming season. There is expected to be a huge hike in the salary which will see the current provision of Rs. 180 crore go up by another Rs 200 crore if the Committee of Administrators (CoA)'s new formula comes to fruition.

"Senior cricketers are certainly going to get a 100% raise and even domestic players would get the same percentage increase," a source close to CoA told TOI. "Since, these cricketers are the reason for BCCI's revenues, can't the board afford another Rs 200 crore for their salaries?" a top board official asked.

Virat Kohli, who played 46 matches for India in 2017 earned Rs. 5.51 crore and if the changes go through, he looks set to earn more than Rs. 10 crore. While a Ranji cricketer, who currently makes between Rs. 12 and 15 lakh per year could earn up to Rs. 30 lakh.

In case you didn't know...

Recently, India coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli both demanded hikes for players, which they felt were long overdue. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly also spoke about the need for increase in salary for domestic cricketers.

The heart of the matter

There will also be a provision to proportionately given out to the domestic cricketers, senior cricketers and the junior teams as well and will be presented to the BCCI. Currently, 26% of the annual revenue of the BCCI is split three ways and 13% is given for international players, 10.6% for domestic cricketers and the remainder for women and junior cricketers.

But the new formula, which won't ear into the BCCI state units will a dramatic increase in salary for domestic and international cricketers. There will also be provided to ensure that players who don't play shorter formats, like Pujara, will be compensated accordingly.

What's next?

It will be interesting what the actual figures are and if the BCCI decides to accept the proposal put forth by the CoA.

Author's take

The subject of salaries for domestic players has always been a bone of contention. Many have felt that the Ranji Trophy players don't get compensated properly for their efforts, despite all the work that they put in. The salary hike that is currently being proposed will finally put an end to that talk and also ensure that the international cricketers also get what they deserve.