Dhoni may miss out on BCCI's top contract
Former Indian captain, MS Dhoni, might be a key figure in the Indian cricket team, but as per recent reports, the wicket-keeper batsman will not be a part of BCCI's top contract. The Committee of Administrators has approved a pay hike and is set to revise the contracts of players on a 4-tier grade basis, which would mean Dhoni missing out on the top-contract.
Media reports suggest 4 grades of contracts
India Today reported that the Committee of Administrators (CoA) has come up with 4 tier contract grade, as compared to the three earlier. The BCCI will now hand A+, A, B and C grade contracts to players. Players who represent India across all three formats will fall under A+ category. Till now, BCCI didn't have a A+ grade contract.
Dhoni likely to miss out on A+ contract
Dhoni, who retired from Test cricket, and continues to play just limited overs cricket will miss out on the top A+ contract. However, the likes of Ashwin and Jadeja, who have been kept out of the limited overs squad since the past few months, will still be considered for the top contract. The ICC rankings will be taken into consideration for such players.
Indian cricketers now at par with global stars
The new hike came into consideration after Virat Kohli, along with coach Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni, met with the Committee of Administrators and demanded a pay rise. Indian cricketers were unhappy with their pay despite the pay being increased by 100% last year. The top grade contract player earned Rs. 2 cr which is far less than what Australian and England cricketers earned.
Guidelines to be drafted to determine contract grade
Selectors will now have to make a list of players who are central to Indian cricket's future. Players who have been rested or injured will also be taken into consideration. Guidelines will also be drafted to decide which player falls under which category. The guidelines will be submitted to the BCCI's finance committee before the final decision is taken.
