Aakash Chopra believes the BCCI’s new Test cricket incentive structure will ensure that players do not choose the IPL above representing their country in the longest format.
While announcing the yearly contracts recently, the BCCI stressed the importance of players playing first-class cricket while not representing India. They also announced an incentive for Test cricket, with players expected to get significant compensation in addition to the Test match pay, dependent on the percentage of games they participate.
Aakash Chopra commented on the decision in a video posted on his YouTube channel, claiming that the move will discourage players from prioritizing the IPL.
“Money is a motivating factor. When the IPL money is publically discussed so much, the upcoming generation already starts thinking that they have to play the IPL because you get a lot of money there. You will get the same amount of money in Test cricket now and you will get even more at times.”
“So now it has been said that don’t think IPL is everything in your life. It is a good tournament but the attempt is that you shouldn’t prioritize it and that you won’t miss India’s Test matches.”
Aakash Chopra
According to Chopra, a player may earn up to ₹6 crore by participating in 10 Tests every year. He expects to earn ₹13 crore year with an IPL deal for ₹7 crore. He noted that few players in the top league had contracts of ₹13 crore.
“Cheteshwar Pujara – you played a little early, my brother” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra noted that Cheteshwar Pujara would have benefited much if he had been part of the present Test system.
“Cheteshwar Pujara – you played a little early, my brother. If he had been a part of the team in this era, he would have played 10 matches every year, earned a lot, and I would have been very happy.”
Aakash Chopra
The former Indian opener finished by calling the move a great step.
“I am saying thumbs up with both hands for this thinking from the BCCI. Sixty lakh rupees per Test match – to date no country has given as much money to play Test cricket as India have decided to give, provided you play more than 75% of the matches for India in that season.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra joked that if this incentive had been available while he was playing, he would have made a lot of money as well. He emphasized that he was always a member of the squad during his 10-Test tenure.