SLC boost Test match fees
SLC intends to put more focus on Test cricket and boost the interest and commitment of players with the increment of match fees
In a bold move aimed at reinvigorating the spirit of Test cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a substantial increase in match fees for players participating in the longer format of the game.
The decision, which sees match fees for winning matches soar from US$7,500 to US$15,000, represents a 100 percent increase of the compensation currently received by players. With a clear intent to incentivise involvement in Test cricket, SLC has also raised match fees for draws to US$12,500 and for defeats to US$10,000.
The moves comes at a critical juncture for Test cricket, which has been facing mounting challenges to its relevance and popularity in the wake of the rapid rise of T20 cricket. The allure of the shorter format, with its fast-paced action and high-scoring encounters, has threatened to overshadow the traditional charm and strategic depth of Test cricket for many years now.
“We want to encourage more and more players to get into red-ball cricket,” remarked Ashley de Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket.
“Our decision to increase match fees for Test matches is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the legacy of this venerable format.”
The change is not solely motivated by financial considerations but also by a desire to foster a renewed sense of pride and purpose among players. By offering more competitive remuneration, SLC aims to inspire players to prioritise Test cricket and to approach each match with the dedication and determination befitting the format.
“This is a very good move,” commended Chief Selector Upul Tharanga.
“If you look, some of the cricketers play only a few Test matches a year and their earnings are restricted unlike some of the players who are engaged in white-ball cricket. They have the opportunity earn money by playing in leagues around the world. This will encourage players to play Test cricket”.
With players now standing to earn significantly more for victories, draws, and even defeats, there is renewed optimism that Test cricket will witness a resurgence in Sri Lanka.
In addition to the substantial increase in match fees for Test matches, SLC has also raised fees for One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) by significant margins. At present, a player gets US$ 4000 for an ODI game and US$ 3000 for a T20 international game. De Silva said that SLC has increased these payments by a substantial amount.
ODIs and T20Is continue to play a crucial role in the global cricketing landscape and SLC’s commitment to reward the players comes as a significant move.
Many view it as a positive step towards preserving the sanctity of Test cricket and reaffirming its status as the pinnacle of the sport. With the financial incentives now in place, there is renewed hope that Sri Lanka will produce a new generation of Test cricketers who are not only technically proficient but also fiercely passionate about the longest format of the game.