Ranji players yet to receive payments for 2016-17

The new Ranji season is about to start but the players are still looking for their pending payments for the 2016-17 season. The reason behind the delay is the decision of the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators to block the funds of those states who were opposted to the implementation of the Justice Lodha panel recommendations. The Vinod Rai-led committee have already made it clear that they will not give a penny to those state associations who are not ready to implement it.

In this fight, the players are the only victims as this is their only source of income. 

The BCCI gives the domestic players’ fees in two parts: players receive 10,000 rupees per match-day from their respective state associations during or immediately after the season and the remaining amount is paid directly to the players by the Board after the accounts are ratified by the AGM.

According to the DNA, a few states like Tamil Nadu paid their Ranji players from their own accounts. But Hyderabad and other associations, who are completely dependent on BCCI funds, haven't been able to pay any amount to their players. 

The BCCI acting secretary, Amitabh Choudhary ensured that this matter will be resolved shortly.

“This matter was taken up during our recent meetings and it was decided to bypass the states and make payment directly to players,” said Choudhary as reported by DNA.

An unnamed senior player from Delhi claimed that players are expecting a revised pay structure for the upcoming season. 

“After the recent presentation, domestic players were expecting a better deal but this news of no funds till date has dampened our spirits. Now, we are hearing that many struggling states are looking for low-budget accommodations for the coming Ranji season. We just hope that richest cricket board in the world would not let this happen us,” said the veteran player.