Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged state associations to use the annual subsidy from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to improve domestic cricket. In recent years, the BCCI has given more importance to first-class and List-A cricket. They have also made it mandatory for contracted players to participate in domestic matches when they are not playing for India.
A strong domestic structure has played a big role in Team India’s success. The rise in revenue from broadcasting and sponsorships has also benefited state associations and players. However, Gavaskar believes state associations can do more to support players and upgrade facilities.
Gavaskar Wants Better Use of BCCI Funds
“Each State Association receives a significant financial grant from the BCCI. But most of it stays in the bank instead of being used for infrastructure and player development, which is its main purpose. States should be able to match the fees that BCCI gives to Ranji Trophy players,” Gavaskar wrote in his Sportstar column.
Domestic cricket remains an important platform, but it struggles to match the Indian Premier League (IPL) in popularity and pay scale. Team India spinner Varun Chakaravarthy recently said that playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy helped him improve as a cricketer.
Mumbai Cricket Association Sets an Example
The BCCI changed the pay structure for domestic players after the COVID-19 lockdown in 2021 and again in 2024. The latest pay hike allows senior players to earn up to ₹60,000 per day. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has matched this amount, which is a big boost for domestic players. The new pay scale came into effect for the 2024-25 season.
Gavaskar wants other state associations to follow Mumbai’s example. He believes domestic players should earn salaries closer to those of IPL players.
“The Ranji Trophy fees should be increased again next season. The gap between what an uncapped IPL player earns and what a hardworking Ranji player gets is too big. If more state associations match the BCCI’s payments, then players will be fairly rewarded for their efforts,” Gavaskar wrote.
The 2024-25 domestic season ended recently, with Vidarbha defeating Kerala in the Ranji Trophy final in Nagpur.