Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has announced a groundbreaking incentive scheme from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), designed to significantly boost the earnings of domestic cricketers. This pivotal decision was made during the board’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mumbai, an event attended by Harbhajan himself as the representative for the Punjab Cricket Association.
Harbhajan, pictured arriving for the BCCI Annual General Meeting, shared the exciting news with reporters after the meeting: “It has been decided that if a player participates in more domestic matches in a season, they will receive increased financial rewards. This scheme is specifically crafted to motivate teams to strive for the finals of domestic tournaments.”
Delving into the details, the cricket stalwart elaborated on the substantial bonuses on offer. “A cricketer who plays 14 first-class matches in a single season stands to earn an additional match fee of an incredible Rs 1 crore,” Harbhajan stated, underscoring the BCCI’s clear intention to reward consistent performance and unwavering dedication.
This initiative is being widely celebrated as a potential game-changer for India’s domestic cricket scene, which is renowned for nurturing future international talent. By directly linking match appearances with significant financial incentives, the BCCI aims to inspire players to prioritize domestic competitions and elevate the overall quality and competitiveness of prestigious tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.
Beyond cricket, Harbhajan, who also serves as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, used the occasion to advocate for broader social responsibility from the board. He urged the BCCI to extend support to victims affected by devastating floods in North Indian states, including Punjab.
The AGM also marked a significant shift in leadership, with former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas being elected as the 37th BCCI president. He takes over from Roger Binny. Manhas, an accomplished batsman with over 9,700 first-class runs to his name, becomes only the third former cricketer, following Sourav Ganguly and Binny, to ascend to this prestigious role.
These dual developments—the enhanced financial stability for domestic players and the fresh leadership under Manhas—highlight the BCCI’s strategic efforts to reinforce cricket at its foundational levels while actively engaging with wider societal concerns.