Cricketers' fees linked to performance

Cricketers' fees linked to performance
AGENCIES

NEW DELHI, AUG 1: The Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Vision 2000 report submitted to the Centre on Tuesday has made significant recommendations having far reaching consequences on the promotion, development of the game and the conduct of players.

While making it mandatory for players to take part in National-level tournaments, the report has recommended that payment of fees to players should be on the basis of their performance.

It has also suggested that fees should also be paid to the players on the basis of seniority. It (payment) will be on the basis of gradation.Another important proposal in the report suggests that BCCI should enter into contract with players.

The 25-page report was presented to Union Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa by the seven-member BCCI delegation led by its president AC Muthiah here this evening.

The report also recommended that payment of international match allowance and logo money be on the basis of gradation.

Among several other proposals, the vision report has suggested that each state association employ professional chief operating officers as executive secretary.

The BCCI in its Vision 2000 report claims to have spent Rs 819 lakhs (52.31 per cent of its earning) on tournaments and coaching expenses. While Rs 555 lakhs (35.43 per cent) has been contributed to benevolent fund and subsidies to state associations, other expenses are shown as Rs 160 lakhs (10.24 per cent).

After weeks of feuding over the running of cricket in the country, the Board and the Sports Ministry agreed to work together for the betterment of the game with the Board telling the government it would be submitting the Code of Conduct report after August 19.

The Board also asked the government to steps for early conclusion to the match-fixing inquiry.

``We have decided to work together for the promotion of cricket. We'll leave no stone unturned to take the game to the grassroot level and redeem its prestige,'' BCCI chief Muthiah told reporters soon after the meeting.

Dhindsa echoed the views saying henceforth he expected greater interaction between the Board and his ministry. ``We have decided to cleanse the game and work towards regaining the past glory that India enjoyed.''

To have the future plan put in place, Muthiah said, ``we've requested that there should be quick conclusion of the inquiry about the match-fixing scandal.

``It is very demoralising for the team (when it goes out on official tours) to play when you have a sword (of the probe) hanging over your head,'' Muthiah said.

The Board president said he told the Minister that BCCI's new Code will be based on the International Cricket Council's Code with few additions considering Indian conditions and challenges that have come in the wake of the match-fixing scandal.

The BCCI's special committee is drafting a new Code which will be placed before its working committee in Bangalore on August 19, and after ratification there, it will be submitted to the government.

Muthiah said there was no discussion on the issue of dropping from the National team players against whom allegations of match-fixing are being probed. Also, the issue of clearance for five-match Sahara Cup series against Pakistan in Toronto did not come for discussion.

``It (clearance for the tour) will come in its normal course,'' Muthiah said.After being closeted with the Minister for nearly two hours, Muthiah said BCCI and Sports Ministry will in future work more closely.

Dhindsa said he had no problem with BCCI taking more time in preparing of the Code. ``Let them do it, then we will be see and give our suggestions. There is no hurry.''