The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering creating a dedicated fund of at least USD 15 million (INR 125 Crore) for Test cricket, which will assist enhance players' match fees and address talent migration to lucrative T20 franchise leagues.  

Cricket Australia (CA) introduced the plan, which has the support of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, the front-runner to become the next ICC Chairman, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), a report in Sydney Morning Herald stated.

The fund would raise the minimum match payment for Test players and cover the costs of sending teams on international tours. It would benefit national boards such as the West Indies, which are now struggling to compete with the wages offered in global T20 competitions.

"The fund would ensure a minimum Test payment for all players, thought to be USD 10,000, and pay the costs of overseas tours for struggling countries,” the report stated.

"It's fantastic to see some momentum behind the Test match fund. We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white ball cricket,” CA chairman Mike Baird, who floated the concept in January, said.

The fund is unlikely to assist cricket's three richest nations, India, Australia, and England because its players already receive generous pay. However, how much money the ICC makes available for Test cricket is likely to be determined by a conflict with broadcaster Star, according to the article.

The Star network wishes to renegotiate a 2022 broadcast agreement with the ICC, reducing its worth to half of the original cost of almost USD three billion.

Earlier this year, the BCCI implemented an incentive plan for India's men's Test cricketers to encourage players to prioritize Test cricket and reward consistent achievement in the game's longest format.

Under the new program, a player who plays at least 75% of India's Test matches in its annual cycle, from October to September, will earn a whopping Rs 45 lakh each match, in addition to the Rs 15 lakh Test match money.

Players that appear in the 50-75% games bracket would receive a bonus of Rs 30 lakh every match. Non-playing members, if picked for the squad, will be paid half the sum.

(PTI inputs)