Virat Kohli to earn nominal pay at Surrey, will focus on match time instead

05/05/2018

Virat Kohli will be paid the nominal match fee during his short stint with county cricket side Surrey and will not make loads of cash as speculated earlier, a BCCI official said. Kohli is set to play a total of six matches for Surrey ahead of India’s tour of England that takes place later this year.

Virat Kohli has led the Indian team to great success in the past one year, with the Test team ranked at the top of the ICC rankings. Their performances in the South African tour, earlier this year, drew lavish praise from critics and fans alike from all across the globe. Currently, plying his trade in the IPL with Bangalore-based RCB, Virat Kohli will depart to England for a stint with county cricket side, Surrey.

However, a BCCI official recently revealed that the Delhi-born batsman will receive nominal pay for his time in England as opposed to claims of a big-money offer that was spread in the media earlier.

"Contrary to popular belief that Virat will cost a bomb for Surrey, it was completely the other way round. Let's get it clear. Surrey is paying airfare, accommodation and a very nominal match fee during the month.

"Since the Board and Virat himself was very keen, the monetary part was least of concern for us," a senior BCCI office-bearer told PTI.

"We are not at liberty to quote the amount but it will be a very nominal amount that he will be paid and that is at par with any standard county player. We can vouch it's a win-win deal for Surrey as well as for the BCCI," the official added.

Kohli's stint with Surrey starts on June 1 with a one day game against Kent at Beckenham. The 29-year old batsman will then play in the second and third match of the Royal London Cup on June 3 and 6 against Middlesex and Glamorgan respectively.

A four-day campaign will start against Hampshire in Southampton from June 9 to 12 followed by a match against Somerset (at Guildford from June 20-23) and his last game will be against Yorkshire at Scarborough (June 25 to 28). Surrey released a short video to announce the signing for the Indian skipper.