ICC Mulls USD 15 Million Fund to Boost Test Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering establishing a dedicated fund of at least USD 15 million to support Test cricket. This initiative aims to increase player match fees and address the migration of talent to lucrative T20 franchise leagues.

The proposal, put forward by Cricket Australia (CA), has garnered support from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is poised to become the next ICC Chairman, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The fund would enhance the minimum match payment for Test players and cover the expenses of overseas tours.

This initiative is particularly crucial for national boards like the West Indies, which face challenges in competing with the salaries offered by global T20 competitions. The fund would ensure a minimum Test payment of USD 10,000 for all players and cover the costs of overseas tours for struggling countries.

CA Chairman Mike Baird, who initially proposed the concept, expressed enthusiasm for the momentum behind the Test match fund. He emphasized the need to eliminate barriers and promote Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport, preserving its history and legacy alongside newer white-ball formats.

However, the fund is unlikely to benefit the three wealthiest cricket nations – India, Australia, and England – as they already provide substantial salaries to their players. The availability of funds for Test cricket from the ICC may also be influenced by an ongoing dispute with broadcaster Star, which seeks to renegotiate a 2022 broadcast deal and reduce its value by half.

The BCCI has implemented an incentive scheme for India's men's Test cricketers to prioritize the format and reward consistent performances. Players who participate in at least 75% of India's Test matches in a season earn a bonus of Rs 45 lakh per match, in addition to the regular Test match fees of Rs 15 lakh.

The ICC's proposed Test cricket fund is a significant step towards preserving the integrity and competitiveness of the longest format of the game. By addressing financial concerns and supporting struggling nations, the fund aims to ensure the continued growth and popularity of Test cricket worldwide.

Tags: #ICC, #TestCricket, #PlayerFees, #T20Migration, #CricketAustralia