The much-delayed compensation package for the domestic cricket season curtailed by the pandemic is set to be discussed during the BCCI’s apex council meeting on September 20.
The issue is listed third on the meeting’s agenda. “Discussion on compensation to be given to First Class cricketers (men and women) for the 2020-21 season,” states the agenda, accessed by The Hindu . The agenda also lists an “update” on the upcoming domestic season, which is to be discussed.
Working group meeting
The Hindu understands that BCCI secretary Jay Shah convened a meeting of the seven-member working group that had been formed to discuss domestic cricket last week. It is learnt that all seven members expressed their views and asked the office-bearers to devise the best possible mechanism for compensation.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in the suspension of the Ranji Trophy, one of the options suggested was to compensate cricketers half of the average Ranji Trophy fees. A similar mechanism was also discussed for age-group and women cricketers. However, finalising the list of cricketers to benefit is the biggest challenge, which could be put forward to the apex council.
The apex council is also set to discuss the international home season for 2021-22. New Zealand is scheduled to tour India for two Tests and three T20Is, with the Tests being a part of the World Test Championship, in November-December. The detailed itinerary, including venues, could be finalised by the apex council.
The meeting is also set to discuss the preparation for the T20 World Cup, which the BCCI will host in the United Arab Emirates and Oman from October 17. In addition, it is also set to ratify the BCCI’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy.
