Australia and England will spearhead an initiative to set minimum Test match payments for all male cricketers when the member nations of the International Cricket Council (ICC) convene in Dubai from Thursday, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.
As per the details, the international benchmark is anticipated to be established at the Australian Test fee of approximately AUD$20,000 per match as a baseline.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing the appeal of Test cricket to both present and upcoming generations of players. This move comes as lucrative T20 leagues continue to entice some of the top talent away from the traditional longer format.
The minimum rate might escalate to match the AUD$18,000 fee currently received by players representing India.
The decision has been influenced after the promising youngster Shamar Joseph led the West Indies to a spectacular victory in the final Test of the Australian summer in Brisbane two months ago.
Cricket West Indies retainers for players range from USD$100,000 to $USD150,000, with Test match payments of USD$5000, among the lowest among all members. Players are earning $1 million or more per year in the IPL.
Cricket Australia retainers average almost AUD$1 million a year with captain Pat Cummins being paid AUD$2 million and can earn another AUD$1 million annually in match and tour fees and from CA’s player marketing pool.
Following India’s 4-1 comprehensive victory over England in their recent Test series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the 'Test Cricket Incentive Scheme' encouraging their players to prioritise first-class cricket.
As part of the payment scheme, anyone who plays at least 75 per cent of India’s Tests in a year will earn an extra USD$54000 per Test, and anyone who plays between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of Tests annually will earn an additional USD$36200 per Test.
This is on top of the country’s four-tier retainer system, which ranges from USD$121300 to 847000 approximately. Additionally, most leading Indian players are already wealthy due to significant corporate endorsements and IPL contracts.
One point of contention will be the source of funds to cover the minimum Test match payments, and how they will be distributed. Currently, all Test countries receive a dividend from the ICC, which is crucial for most nations given their modest broadcast deals.
It is part of a broader agenda for the ICC to become more proactive in promoting and safeguarding Test cricket. A new development committee will be established, with its primary focus being the supremacy of Test cricket.