All state associations should have annual contracts like the BCCI does with the Indian team: Rohan Gavaskar

The condition of many cricketers in India isn’t ideal as the suspension of a number of domestic tournaments has deteriorated their financial positions. Though the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) organized domestic leagues like Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, they were forced to scrap the 2020-21 edition of the Ranji Trophy. 

The suspension of the first-class event has caused financial trouble to a lot of cricketers. The BCCI had, earlier, announced compensation for all the first-class domestic cricketers, however, it is is yet to be disbursed as state units have still not sent in the requisite details.

Adding to the misery, many players are yet to receive their salaries from previous seasons too. The BCCI has always allocated a share from its TV broadcast revenue to the domestic cricketers and it is normally paid in September after the annual accounts are settled.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the head office in Mumbai was closed for a significant period and that has acted as a major reason behind the long wait. 

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer and son of legendary Sunil Gavaskar, Rohan Gavaskar, detailed his opinion on the issue stating that the state associations should start having annual contracts for their players just like BCCI has for the senior players.

In a series of tweets on his official Twitter handle, Rohan reckoned that it isn’t possible for BCCI to compensate all the players and it will be beneficial for the domestic players if they get a salary from state associations. 

How does one determine who would have played the entire season?: Rohan Gavaskar

“All state associations should have annual contracts with their players like the BCCI does with the Indian team. A,B,C categories. If state contracts are not there then it’s impossible to make payments to domestic players in such a situation,” Gavaskar tweeted on Wednesday.

All state associations should have annual contracts with their players like the bcci does with the Indian team . A,B,C categories . If state contracts are not there then it’s impossible to make payments to domestic players in such a situation . https://t.co/FAOV5cDRWx

— Rohan Gavaskar (@rohangava9) May 26, 2021

In another two tweets, Rohan wrote, “How does one determine who would have played the entire season? Could some senior players have been dropped midway? What about the youngsters who may have made their debuts? Will, they did not get anything? What happens to the white ball specialists? The red ball specialists?”

“The state associations need to look after their players. The domestic players are the ones who really keep the game going. They have to be taken care of. Start annual contracts for them.”

The state associations need to look after their players . The domestic players are the ones who really keep the game going . They have to be taken care of . Start annual contracts for them .

— Rohan Gavaskar (@rohangava9) May 26, 2021