Karachi: The ICC has planned to establish a multi-million-dollar fund to preserve Test cricket.
Earlier, the Indian Board had introduced a benefit scheme to financially support its Test cricketers.
According to British media, the International Cricket Council is considering dedicating a fund of at least $15 million to Test cricket.
This fund will help increase match fees for players and address the issue of talent migration to T20 franchise leagues.
The proposal, suggested by the Australian Cricket Board, has the support of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is the frontrunner to become the next ICC Chairman, along with the England and Wales Cricket Board.
This fund will increase the minimum match fees for Test players and cover the expenses of sending teams on overseas tours.
It will assist cricket boards like the West Indies, who are currently struggling to compete with the lucrative contracts offered in global T20 competitions.
The report suggests that the fund will allow Test players to be paid up to $10,000 per match, and it will cover the expenses of overseas tours for countries that are struggling financially.
Meanwhile, the head of the Australian Cricket Board, Mike Baird, supported the idea, stating that there is a need to remove obstacles and encourage improvements in Test cricket.
It is worth noting that the three richest cricketing nations—India, Australia, and England—are unlikely to benefit from this fund, as they already provide their players with substantial compensation.
However, the success of this plan depends on a favorable resolution of the ICC’s financial dispute with its broadcaster.