Report: CoA to discuss pay hike for cricketers in BCCI’s SGM

According to a report from Indian Express, BCCI has not been quite happy with the introduction of the new pay structure by the CoA. To address the issue, BCCI has called for a Special General Meeting to debate on the issue with CoA. Under the new compensation structure, a new ‘A+’ category was introduced and five players were included in the ‘A+’ category. These players would receive Rs 7 crore each per annum, while seven Grade A, seven Grade B and as many Grade C cricketers are on annual retainer fee of Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore, and Rs 1 crore each respectively. 

“Why did they (COA) bring in a new category? The idea was to compensate the Test specialists, who don’t have the IPL contracts, adequately. And if the top bracket is exclusively for those who are regulars in all three formats, then what would be the adjustments like, if someone is dropped from a particular form of the game?” said a BCCI official as quoted by Indian Express. “Also, the BCCI office-bearers had been kept in the dark in the whole process.” 

Along with that, BCCI could also disapprove the appointment of the new anti-corruption (ACU) head, Ajit Singh. The CoA appointed Singh, a former Director of General Police, Rajasthan, as the new ACU head in March, replacing Neeraj Kumar. It didn’t go down well with a large section of the cricket board. As per the existing BCCI constitution, every Board appointment requires ratification from the general body to be effective. Singh’s employment doesn’t have the members’ rubber stamp yet. 

“There’s every chance that the members might not agree to the appointment of the new ACU head. The COA can’t take such a decision without calling an SGM,” said the official.

BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary had written a letter to COA, opposing the appointment.

“I am afraid this appointment will not be considered valid until approved by the General Body,” he said.

The acting secretary also refused to sign the annual contracts, saying the office-bearers weren’t kept in the loop.