The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a groundbreaking step to enhance the competitiveness and recognition of domestic cricket in the country. In a significant move, the BCCI has announced the introduction of prize money for exceptional performers in all domestic cricket tournaments, including the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for senior men’s cricket.
This initiative marks a major shift in the BCCI’s approach to domestic cricket, which has traditionally been overshadowed by the glamour and financial rewards of international cricket. By offering prize money, the BCCI aims to make domestic cricket more lucrative and encourage young players to strive for excellence.
The BCCI will now award prize money in all Women’s and Junior Cricket tournaments, including the Under-16 (Vijay Merchant Trophy), Under-19 (Cooch Behar Trophy), and Under-23 (CK Nayudu Trophy) tournaments for men, and the Under-15, Under-19, and Under-23 events for women.
In addition to the prize money, the BCCI has also decided to eliminate the toss in the CK Nayudu Trophy for the 2024-25 season. This move is intended to reduce the impact of luck on the outcome of matches and give visiting teams a fairer chance of competing.
The BCCI’s decision to introduce prize money and eliminate the toss in domestic cricket is a testament to its commitment to developing and nurturing the next generation of Indian cricketers. By providing financial incentives and creating a more competitive environment, the BCCI hopes to inspire young players to reach their full potential and contribute to the success of Indian cricket on the international stage.