Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni to bat for higher pay for Indian cricketers

Team India skipper Virat Kohli and the former captain MS Dhoni are all set to hold discussions with the BCCI regarding a hike in their pay. Kohli and Dhoni, along with coach Ravi Shastri are expected to lead the discussions with BCCI CoA’s top official Vinod Rai in New Delhi soon. Interestingly, the Indian players had recently got a payment hike earlier this year.

As per the reports in the Times of India, top players saw their annual basic deals doubled to $300,000 this year. However, now that the BCCI has recently struck a mega deal with broadcasters Star India, the players want a greater share. The BCCI is set to get $2.5 billion from Star India for telecasting the IPL from 2018-2022.

One of the top officials confirmed the news and remarked that the players including Virat Kohli want a hike. He further added that the players are always welcome to put their points across in this regard. “It’s always healthy to be transparent and that’s what BCCI is trying to be. Virat Kohli and the players are always welcome to put their point across,” an official quoted.

On player grade contracts

Currently, the salaries of the Indian centrally contracted players are based on three grades – Grade A, B, and C. The CoA head, Vinod Rai, recently commented that the board is trying to look into the structure and revamp it in order to suit it to the best interests of the cricketers. Rai, who had recently spoke in favor of Kohli in the cramped schedule issue, is keen on working for the benefit of the players. He remarked that the discussions will take place after the Delhi Test.

“We have modified it and have started a process where we consult the players. We had two rounds of consultation and we will do another one just before the Delhi Test,” Vinod Rai quoted.