One of the best cricketing news to come out in the last few days was the BCCI’s decision to have a full season of Ranji Trophy matches. Last year, as you know, thanks to the pandemic, the teams were divided into groups of four and could only play three matches at the league stage. The year, before that, there was no Ranji Trophy at all. This was particularly hard on a lot of players since they depended solely on the income that they got from playing the Ranji Trophy. 

Jobs drying up

In the not-so-distant past, the players had the cushion of a corporate job which covered the income in case they were not picked to play Ranji Trophy. But in recent times, jobs have dried up because with the packed international season not just the top players, but even the fringe players are not available to play for the corporates with the result the Ranji Trophy income has become the sole means of livelihood for so many. 
 
The BCCI has come up with a very good formula for the Ranji Trophy fees, where those who have played more are rewarded by being given a bigger match fee. This is a very good move because it encourages participation rather than the player giving some flimsy excuse to skip the Ranji Trophy match.