“It has been said that don’t think IPL is everything in your life” – Aakash Chopra on BCCI’s Test cricket incentive scheme

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra hailed BCCI’s Test cricket incentive scheme, stating that the Indian board is giving a message to youngsters to not think that IPL is everything in their life. Recently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah urged players to focus on the domestic circuit, especially the red-ball format, and play for their respective states in the Ranji Trophy.

After the conclusion of the Test series against England, Jay Shah announced, “I am pleased to announce the initiation of the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ for Senior Men, a step aimed at providing financial growth and stability to our esteemed athletes. Commencing from the 2022-23 season, the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ will serve as an additional reward structure on top of the existing match fee for Test matches, set at INR 15 lakhs.”

“Money is a motivating factor. When the IPL money is publically discussed so much, the upcoming generation already starts thinking that they have to play the IPL because you get a lot of money there. You will get the same amount of money in Test cricket now and you will get even more at times,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“So now it has been said that don’t think IPL is everything in your life. It is a good tournament but the attempt is that you shouldn’t prioritize it and that you won’t miss India’s Test matches,” cricketer-turned-commentator added.

The reputed commentator noted that Cheteshwar Pujara would have made more money had he played in this era. Pujara is currently dropped from India’s Test team after a string of poor performances.

“Cheteshwar Pujara – you played a little early, my brother. If he had been a part of the team in this era, he would have played 10 matches every year, earned a lot, and I would have been very happy,” he stated.

“I am saying thumbs up with both hands for this thinking from the BCCI. Sixty lakh rupees per Test match – to date no country has given as much money to play Test cricket as India have decided to give, provided you play more than 75% of the matches for India in that season,” he noted.

After winning the Test series against England, Indian players will be seen in action in the upcoming IPL.