Mumbai Cricket Association Launches Landmark Contract System for Domestic Players

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has pioneered a landmark move as the first state cricket association in India to establish a contract system for domestic players, ESPNCricinfo reported on Thursday.

The initiative will see contracts awarded to players based on their performance, fitness, and benchmarks, with decisions made by the selection committee. However, details on whether the contracts apply to both men and women cricketers remain undisclosed. Players are categorized into three grades: Grade A earns INR 12 lakh to 20 lakh annually, Grade B receives INR 8 lakh to 12 lakh, and Grade C is given INR 8 lakh per annum.

In addition to the fixed contract amounts, cricketers will gain from match fees, daily allowances, and performance-based incentives according to the state board's policies. This system, designed to aid players nearing higher ranks, aims to provide stability and motivate consistent performance at the domestic level, according to an MCA release quoted by ESPNCricinfo. President Ajinkya Naik hailed it as a 'new era for Mumbai cricket,' emphasizing its role in offering security, structure, and growth for players, reflecting the association's vision to reinforce Mumbai's cricket foundation and empower future talent.