Following India’s historic Champions Trophy 2025 victory, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has urged state associations to approve a Ranji Trophy pay hike for domestic players. The former India captain emphasized the huge pay gap between uncapped IPL players and hardworking Ranji Trophy cricketers, calling for fair compensation to encourage young talent to stay in the game.
In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar highlighted how parents are increasingly viewing cricket as a viable career option for their children but stressed that financial support at the domestic level remains inadequate. A Ranji Trophy pay hike, according to Gavaskar, is necessary to ensure that talented players don’t quit cricket due to financial instability.
Gavaskar’s Appeal: Increase Ranji Trophy Match Fees
In his column, Gavaskar made a strong case for a Ranji Trophy pay hike, pointing out that:
“The Ranji Trophy fees per match could do with another increase for the next season since the difference between what an ordinary uncapped but lucky player gets for the IPL and what a truly hard-working Ranji Trophy player earns is huge.”
Gavaskar believes that if state associations follow Mumbai Cricket Association’s (MCA) example—which matches the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) match fee contributions—then domestic players would receive fairer compensation based on the number of matches they play.
“If only other State teams could follow the example of the Mumbai Cricket Association and give a matching amount of fees to what the BCCI gives, then the players would get a really good amount commensurate with the number of days they play.”
The Ranji Trophy pay hike would ensure that domestic players earn enough to sustain a career in cricket without financial hardship.
The Financial Gap: Why Ranji Trophy Players Need a Salary Increase
The disparity in earnings between domestic first-class cricketers and IPL players has been a long-standing issue. While the IPL provides lucrative contracts to a select few, many talented Ranji Trophy cricketers struggle financially, forcing some to quit cricket for more stable careers.
🔸 An uncapped IPL player can earn millions in a single season, even without playing a game.
🔸 A Ranji Trophy player’s annual earnings remain significantly lower, despite playing multiple matches in the domestic season.
🔸 Without a Ranji Trophy pay hike, state-level players may choose alternate professions over cricket.
A Ranji Trophy pay hike would prevent the financial struggles that many domestic cricketers face and allow them to focus on developing their skills and making it to the international stage.
State Associations Must Utilize BCCI Subsidies Effectively
Gavaskar also criticized state cricket boards for failing to utilize the substantial subsidies provided by the BCCI, which are meant to develop cricketing infrastructure and support domestic players.
“Every State Association gets a hefty subsidy annually from the BCCI, and most of it stays put in a bank instead of being invested in infrastructure building and the development of the game, which is why it is given.”
According to Gavaskar, state associations have the financial capacity to implement a Ranji Trophy pay hike by matching the BCCI’s payment structure. However, many boards fail to do so and instead prioritize savings over player development.
“The good news is that there are more and more administrators coming through who love the game and are very aware of the need to promote and encourage their teams.”
If state boards utilize BCCI subsidies effectively, a Ranji Trophy pay hike would be easily achievable, benefitting hundreds of domestic cricketers.
Better Domestic Cricket = More International Trophies
Gavaskar drew a direct connection between a strong domestic cricket system and India’s continued international success. He emphasized that investing in Ranji Trophy players through a Ranji Trophy pay hike would ensure a healthier national team, leading to more international titles.
“A healthy state cricket structure leads to better health in the top levels of the domestic circuit. This, in turn, will lead to India winning more titles, like the Champions Trophy they won on Sunday.”
A well-paid Ranji Trophy player is more likely to stay committed to cricket, improving India’s overall talent pool.
“Hopefully, this will translate into good players not leaving the game for alternate careers and staying on to make State cricket, and thereby Indian cricket, stronger by the day—so it continues to win more trophies like Rohit and his boys have done.”
By ensuring a Ranji Trophy pay hike, state boards will help develop future Indian cricket stars, ensuring continued dominance in world cricket.
Why a Ranji Trophy Pay Hike Matters?
🔹 Huge Pay Gap Between IPL and Ranji Players: An uncapped IPL player can earn millions, while Ranji Trophy cricketers earn far less.
🔹 Encouraging Young Talent to Stay in Cricket: Many talented domestic players leave the game for financially stable careers.
🔹 State Associations Have the Funds: The BCCI provides financial subsidies, but many state boards fail to utilize them effectively.
🔹 Stronger Domestic Cricket = More International Titles: Investment in Ranji Trophy players strengthens the national team, ensuring continued international success.
A Ranji Trophy pay hike would address all these concerns, making domestic cricket a financially viable career path for aspiring players.
Final Thoughts: Will BCCI and State Associations Act?
Gavaskar’s call for a Ranji Trophy pay hike is not just about financial fairness—it’s about ensuring that India’s cricketing pipeline remains strong. With India fresh off a Champions Trophy victory, there is no better time to invest in domestic cricket.
If the BCCI and state associations act on Gavaskar’s recommendation and implement a Ranji Trophy pay hike, it could reshape the future of Indian domestic cricket. By ensuring financial stability for first-class cricketers, the next generation of Indian cricketing talent will thrive, making India an unstoppable force in world cricket. 🚀🏏
