Jay Shah backs ICC $15 million plan to revitalize Test cricket: report

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a plan to create a $15 million fund aimed at supporting the development of Test cricket. This fund is intended to increase player fees and encourage talented players to prioritize Test cricket over lucrative T20 franchise tournaments.

This initiative was first proposed by Cricket Australia (CA) and has received strong support from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is expected to become the next ICC president, along with backing from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The proposed fund aims to ensure that Test players receive a minimum match payment, reportedly around USD 10,000. It will also cover the costs of sending teams on overseas tours, particularly for countries that struggle financially. This support is vital for keeping Test cricket competitive and maintaining its rich history and legacy.

Mike Baird, the chairman of Cricket Australia, emphasized the importance of removing barriers to Test cricket and ensuring it remains a top priority. He stated, “We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white ball cricket."

The fund is specifically designed to assist cricket boards that are financially challenged. Major cricket boards like the BCCI, ECB, and CA, which already pay their players well, will not benefit from this fund. Instead, boards like Cricket West Indies (CWI), which often struggle with the costs of overseas tours, are expected to receive support.

Additionally, there are reports that Star, the broadcasting giant, is in discussions with the ICC to negotiate a reduction in the value of their broadcasting deal, which was initially set at over USD 3 billion. Star is reportedly looking to cut the cost by half.

This fund, if approved, could play a significant role in strengthening Test cricket and supporting countries that face financial difficulties in maintaining the traditional format of the game.