Anil Kumble's demands on financial modifications leaves BCCI perplexed

It is no secret now that India’s head coach Anil Kumble has been in talking terms with the BCCI for a better pay scale for both players, especially the ones playing Test cricket as well as the coaching staff. In order to this, he met with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials and the Committee of Administrators (CoA) in Hyderabad on Sunday.

The veteran spinner kept a detailed presentation in front of the officials who were present at the meeting and explained them the new financial structure he has worked upon. While there have been various speculations about the demands put forth by Kumble, Mumbai Mirror has revealed the two specific demands that have left the cricket board completely perplexed.

During the presentation, Kumble said that the national team’s skipper pay packet should be increased by 25% compared to his teammates since he was the one answerable for the team’s performances and harbours additional responsibility. Captain Kohli also joined the meeting through video conference.

Kumble also asked for a permanent role of the head coach with respect to team’s selection, saying the coach sees the players’ form, fitness, and temperament first-hand, and it is necessary to consider his inputs before selecting the squad. Over the years captains and coaches have demanded a role on the selection committees, but BCCI said the point of ‘captaincy fees’ was something unheard of in cricket.

If the demands put forth were approved, Virat Kohli could get a salary hike of Rs 1.25 crore (he receives around Rs 5 crore currently). Though Kumble did not respond to any messages, some of the BCCI sources have confirmed his dual proposals.

As per the BCCI pay structure which was doubled in March earlier this year, 7 Grade A players receive a retainer amount of Rs 2 crores per year, 9 Grade B players receive Rs 1 crore per year and 16 Grade C players receive Rs 50 lakhs per year. This is excluding the match fees of Rs 15 lakh for a Test, Rs 7 lakh for an ODI, and Rs 3 lakh for a T20I.

What does the proposal mean?

According to Kumble’s proposed financial structure cricketers who play all the three formats take home the highest amount. Apart from this, the former Indian spinner has also demanded a 30% salary hike for himself (from around Rs 6 crore per annum to almost Rs 8 crore) and a hike for the support staff as well which include batting coach Sanjay Bangar and fielding coach R Sreedhar. He also requested that both Bangar and Sreedhar should be retained for future services.

Official’s say:

The BCCI has informed Anil Kumble that such proposals can only be discussed at the board’s general body meeting. “The next AGM is in September when the matter will come up for discussion unless the BCCI decides to convey a special general body meeting. Obviously, the challenge before the BCCI and the Committee of Administrators (CoA) is to work out a solution to the players’ demand of a salary hike,” a board source said.