Sourav Ganguly looking to introduce contract system for India's first-class cricketers

The move, which would bring in a structured payment system – similar to that through which international players are paid with central contracts – would be a major change in Indian cricket

In one of his first moves as the newly elected president of the BCCI, Sourav Ganguly has put forward his desire to implement a contract system for players on India’s domestic first-class ladder.

The move, which would bring in a structured payment system – similar to that through which international players are paid with central contracts – would be a major change in Indian cricket.

Close to 13 per cent of the BCCI’s gross revenue is currently afforded to domestic cricketers, with the other 13 per cent distributed among the country’s international stars.

Currently, a player’s individual pay is determined by the number of games played, meaning that typically a player could earn between approximately £27,480 and £33,040.

Ganguly has been adamant since taking charge of Indian cricket that he would place much of his focus on the domestic game, adding that he has spent three years asking the BCCI’s Committee of Administrators to ensure financial security for domestic players.

He told PTI: “We will bring in a contract system for first-class cricketers. We will ask the new finance committee to prepare a contract system.

“It's just been four-five days and in between there was a Diwali break. It will take about two weeks to assess everything and move forward. There is a lot of work going on.”