Central contract finalised, cricketers' salaries and match fees increased

Bangladesh cricketers will receive higher salaries and match fees under the newly finalised central contract.

Bangladesh went to the Champions Trophy with the aim of winning the title. However, far from clinching the trophy, Nazmul Hossain Shanto's team couldn't even put up a fight. Due to a dismal batting performance, Bangladesh's exit from the tournament was confirmed after two consecutive losses. With their final group match being cancelled, they finished sixth with one point, earning over 5.73 crore taka as prize money.

After a disappointing tour, this was a major bonus for Bangladesh. In the midst of this, there was good news for the country's cricketers. The new central contract has been finalised, and the players' salaries have been increased. The number of players to be included in the contract has also been decided. BCB's cricket operations head, Nazmul Abedin Fahim, mentioned that certain aspects of the contract would be finalised after further discussion.

He also stated that both the salary and match fees have been increased. In a press conference after the BCB's 18th board meeting on Monday, he said, "The players' salaries and match fees have increased. Test cricketers have seen a higher increase compared to others. This is to keep their interest secured."

Nazmul Abedin did not reveal the number of players who will be included in the central contract at this stage. He noted that the number could change, saying, "There is a number at the moment, but I don't want to disclose it. It might increase or decrease after further discussion. Once approved, what's shown will be final."

In the last central contract, players in the highest grade received up to 10 lakh taka in salary, considering factors like grading, performance bonuses, captaincy, and match experience. The lowest salary was 1 lakh taka in the 'D' grade. The new structure is being revised, and players who previously earned 8 lakh taka without bonuses or other calculations will now receive 10 lakh taka. The minimum salary will be around 2 lakh taka. The match fees for Test matches were 6 lakh taka, 3 lakh for ODIs, and 2 lakh for T20s. However, details regarding the exact increase in match fees have not been disclosed.