Rahul Dravid, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, recently shared his views on the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) new ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme‘. This scheme announced to aid the financial growth of cricketers who prioritize Test cricket, adds an additional reward structure on top of the existing match fee for Test matches.

‘Not incentive, but a reward,’ says Rahul Dravid on new scheme

Dravid, however, emphasized that this scheme should be seen as a reward, not an incentive. He stated, “I really hope money is not going to be the incentive to play Test cricket. It’s just nice the hard work and how tough Test cricket can be is being recognized”. His words underscore the importance of passion and dedication in the sport, rather than financial gain.

Dravid’s comments came after India’s 4-1 Test series win against England. The series saw the rise of young talents like Sarfaraz Khan, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel. Dravid’s emphasis on the importance of the traditional format of the game, even in an era dominated by T20 cricket, is a testament to his belief in the enduring charm of Test cricket.

The BCCI’s landmark scheme comes at a time when the future of Test cricket is being questioned. Some cricketers have prioritized franchise-based T20 cricket over international cricket, opting out of senior national team contracts. In response, the BCCI terminated the central contracts of Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer for not playing domestic red-ball cricket.

Dravid’s perspective on the new scheme reflects his deep respect for the traditional format of the game. He believes that the scheme is a recognition of the hard work and dedication required to excel in Test cricket. He hopes that the love for the game, rather than monetary incentives, will continue to inspire players to participate in Test cricket.

Also Read: “There’s a lot to learn and move forward,” says PV Sindhu after French Open Exit