In a groundbreaking move, the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) announced on Monday that they will now be awarding prize money to players who are named player-of-the-match and player-of-the-tournament in all women's and junior cricket competitions at the domestic level. This decision is set to incentivize and recognize the outstanding performances of players in these categories, further raising the profile and competitiveness of women's and junior cricket in India.
In a post on social media, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced that in men's cricket, prize money will be awarded for player of the match in Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments.
"We are introducing prize money for the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament in all Women's and Junior Cricket tournaments under our Domestic Cricket Programme," Shah tweeted.
"Additionally, prize money will be awarded for the Player of the Match in the Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali tournaments for Senior Men. This initiative aims to recognize and reward outstanding performances in the domestic circuit.
"A heartfelt thank you to the Apex Council for their unwavering support in this endeavour. Together, we are fostering a more rewarding environment for our cricketers. Jai Hind," under our Domestic Cricket Programme," the top official added.
Last year, the BCCI had increased the prize money for the domestic tournaments with the Ranji Trophy winners receiving a whopping cash reward of ₹5 crore.
The cash prize for Irani Cup too had been doubled with the winners getting ₹50 lakh instead of ₹25 lakh, and the team finishing runners-up got ₹25 lakh.
In Duleep Trophy, the champions now get ₹1 crore and runners-up team receive ₹50 lakh, while winners of Vijay Hazare Trophy get a cheque of ₹1 crore and the team finishing second best ₹50 lakh.
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