The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering establishing a dedicated fund to bolster Test cricket and level the playing field for boards outside the “Big Three” (India, Australia, and England). This initiative aims to provide a minimum standard match fee of approximately US $10,000 for players across all Test-playing nations.
The fund, driven by Cricket Australia chair Mark Baird and supported by the BCCI and ECB, is intended to make Test cricket more appealing to players who may otherwise opt for more lucrative franchise leagues. It would also reduce the financial burden on less-wealthy boards, which often incur losses when hosting Test matches.
The fund is expected to be in the region of US $15 million and has the backing of BCCI secretary Jay Shah and ECB chair Richard Thompson. It is currently in its formative stages and has not yet been formally discussed by the ICC board or executive committee.
Baird expressed optimism about the fund’s potential, stating, “We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white-ball cricket.”
The ECB has already implemented a similar concept, agreeing to pay Zimbabwe a “touring fee” for their upcoming Test match at Trent Bridge. This move reflects the growing recognition that boards need to find ways to make Test cricket financially viable for all nations.
The ICC’s proposed fund would be a significant step towards ensuring that Test cricket remains a vibrant and competitive format. It would provide a financial incentive for players to prioritize Test cricket and help to level the playing field for boards outside the “Big Three.”
