A domestic player's pay should be at par with IPL: Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel is a popular face in Indian cricket. Since making his debut in 2002 against England in 2002, Patel has come a long way. Even though he has represented India in only 23 Test matches so far, scoring 878 runs and played 38 ODIs, registering 736 runs; he has delivered when it mattered the most. He led Gujarat to Ranji Trophy triumph last season against favorites Mumbai and he urged the boys to repeat the feat.

Regarding the subject of the pay hike for the domestic players, Patel said that it should be at par with the IPL. It will motivate the boys to do well in the domestic circuit and gradually move up the ladder. Patel has been one of the most reliable figures in the Gujarat unit, he has so far scored 9995 runs from 169 matches at an average of 44.22. He has 25 centuries and 56 fifties under his kitty.

In a conversation with Sportstar, Patel said, “I told the players that we should win the national championship at least four to five times. Everything is provided to us by the Gujarat Cricket Association; there are seven coaches helping me train here.’’

“There should be a rise, but I can’t put it in numbers as to how much. It should be at par with Ranji Trophy players, who make Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 lakh in an IPL season. A player, who is only playing the Ranji Trophy, should get the same amount. Then, he will be motivated to perform in the tournament. Contracts (from State associations) will also give players the feeling of security. If a player gets injured in the first game, he will be assured of getting some money for the season and get a feeling that he will be looked after,” he added.

Neutral venues for Ranji, not an issue

Patel was one of the few captains who agreed with the BCCI’s policy of hosting Ranji Trophy matches at neutral venues last season. “One season of neutral venue was not bad for us; we won the tournament for the first time. The captains were responsible (for the policy) because a few home associations were making weird wickets. Now, we are back to home and away; it was never a problem. I look to get the best out of whatever conditions we get. We have to play our home matches at Valsad or Surat, because matches cannot be played at Motera for two years.’’ he added.