Indian players might have corporate-like payment structure after 1-3 loss in BGT 2024-25: Reports

Team India players may have to gear up for a radical change in the payment structure, which will largely rely on the performances they put out. According to a report by the Indian Express, the suggestion of a 'corporate-like' payment scheme to increase 'accountability' was deliberated during the recently held review meeting by the BCCI to address the Border-Gavaskar series loss.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures like skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar along with top officials at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.

The new structure would see players face a pay cut should their performance not be up to the mark.

"The thinking behind the move is to ensure that players are more “accountable” and, if warranted, face a pay-cut based on their performance. The system is said to be formulated on the lines of how corporate houses appraise their employees annually," the report read

“It was one of the suggestions given that players should be held accountable and if their performance is deemed not fit as per expectations, they should face variable pay-cuts,” a source told the Indian Express

The Indian players were recently rewarded with an incentive specifically for Test cricket. According to the scheme, the candidates who featured in more than 50 percent of Tests in a season, were eligible for match fees of INR 30 Lakh per game. The pay increases to INR 45 Lakh if a player features in 75 percent Tests or more in a season.

BCCI concerned with Indian players' 'indifferent' reaction to Test losses

India's recent results in Test cricket have been concerning, to say the least. However, apart from the on-field displays, the BCCI is also concerned with the players' attitude towards the format.

There is growing belief that players lack the intent to go through the grinds of red-ball cricket, compared to the relatively easier white-ball formats.

“There was discussion whether the current players were a bit indifferent when India loses a Test match. The team management understands the value of Test cricket but many players don’t give too much importance to it,” the source said.

Team India failed to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Finals on the back of consecutive series losses.