After the triumphant Test series against England in Dharamshala, veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara expressed his appreciation for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its secretary, Jay Shah, for implementing a Test incentive policy aimed at promoting red-ball cricket in the country.
The policy, announced by Shah, outlines monetary rewards for players consistently participating in Test cricket, providing them with an opportunity to earn at least INR 60 lakhs per match. Cheteshwar Pujara commended this strategic move, emphasizing its potential to inspire young cricketers to engage more actively in red-ball cricket.
Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted that such incentives would ensure players receive comparable, if not greater, financial rewards in Test cricket compared to popular T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
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Returning from a family trip, Pujara took to his social media account to express his approval: “Just got back from a refreshing trip with the family, and it is even more refreshing to see such a great initiative by Jay Shah and the BCCI! It will surely reward and encourage those performing for the country in the purest format of the game!”
Just got back from a refreshing trip with the family, and it is even more refreshing to see such a great initiative by @JayShah and @BCCI! It will surely reward and encourage those performing for the country in the purest format of the game! https://t.co/glWSb4ICS1
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) March 12, 2024
While the 36-year-old has accumulated vast experience, featuring in 103 Test matches for India, he has faced challenges in securing a consistent spot in the national team, particularly after recent struggles. Despite excelling in domestic cricket, Pujara remains on the fringes of national selection.
However, the seasoned batsman may receive a call-up when India tours Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later in the year, leveraging his extensive experience in facing the Australian pace attack. The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand at home could serve as a crucial platform for Pujara to make his case for a return to the national side.
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With Rohit Sharma leading the team, India aims to secure victories in these series, enhancing their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final for the third consecutive time. While specific dates for these series are yet to be confirmed by the BCCI, the Indian team remains focused on its Test cricket goals.
