Mumbai
A decision has been made by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to increase the pay of its senior men’s cricketers by 100 percent starting from the 2024-25 season, as reported by sources. This decision was approved during a recent apex council meeting of the MCA. It means that a player’s earnings throughout the season will effectively double.
Currently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) pays senior men’s cricketers across three tiers. Players receive Rs. 60,000 per day after playing over 40 first-class matches. Those who have played 21-40 matches earn Rs. 50,000 per day, while those with fewer than 20 matches earn Rs. 40,000 per day.
MCA president Amol Kale stated that players, especially those participating in the Ranji Trophy, deserve higher earnings. He emphasized the significance of red-ball cricket, particularly the Ranji Trophy, in Mumbai cricket.
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar commented that increasing Ranji Trophy fees could lead to more participation and fewer withdrawals. He suggested a slab system where players receive increments every ten first-class matches. Gavaskar urged the BCCI to consider this aspect. Recently, Mumbai secured their 42nd Ranji Trophy title by defeating Vidarbha in the finals.
