The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering the creation of a dedicated fund, amounting to at least $15 million, to support Test cricket. This initiative aims to increase players’ match fees and address the growing challenge of player migration to more lucrative T20 franchise leagues.
This proposal, initially suggested by Cricket Australia (CA), has garnered significant support, including backing from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is a leading candidate to become the next ICC Chairman, as well as from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), according to a report from ‘The Sydney Morning Herald.’
The proposed fund would primarily focus on increasing the minimum match payments for Test players and covering the costs associated with overseas tours. It aims to provide vital financial support to national boards, particularly those like the West Indies, which currently struggle to offer competitive wages compared to the global T20 competitions.
However, the fund is unlikely to benefit the three wealthiest cricketing nations—India, Australia, and England—as they already provide substantial salaries to their players.
Earlier this year, the BCCI introduced an incentive scheme for India’s men’s Test cricketers, designed to encourage a focus on Test cricket and reward consistent performance in the longest format of the game. Under this scheme, any player who participates in at least 75% of India’s Test matches within an annual cycle (October to September) will earn an additional ₹45 lakh per match, on top of the standard ₹15 lakh Test match fee.
For players participating in 50-75% of the games, a bonus of ₹30 lakh per match will be awarded. Non-playing members of the squad, if selected, will receive half the amount.
This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by cricket boards to sustain the relevance and prestige of Test cricket in an era increasingly dominated by shorter formats of the game.
