One of the Central Contracts’ innovative elements, introduced last month, is the inclusion of fast bowling contracts for five players. The national selection committee nominated Akash Deep, Vijaykumar Umran Malik, Yash Dayal, and Vidwath Kaverappa for these contracts, according to an announcement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on February 28. However, the BCCI did not disclose any further information on this case.
Subsequent checks have found that these five pacers will have unfettered access to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which is generally reserved solely for contractual players. They will be able to train, rehabilitate, and use other academy facilities for free. They can have insurance provided by the NCA.
Non-contracted players may also use the NCA’s facilities, but only with the recommendation of their individual state associations. Furthermore, state associations are expected to fund the expenses of the suggested players.
In this sense, bowlers with fast bowling contracts will not rely on their state associations. Umran, Akash Deep, Vyshak, Dayal, and Kaverappa can proceed directly to the NCA, just like any other centrally contracted player.
The goal of adopting these new contracts is to build a bench strength of quick bowlers for the national squad. With the number of crickets increasing and bowlers constantly suffering injuries, national selectors and the BCCI have felt compelled to create a pool of players ready to jump into the national squad at any time.
The BCCI has not disclosed any financial incentives for these players. It has not announced the salary for regular players either. However, there is suspicion that the retainership for the chosen pacers will be equivalent to that of C Grade players, who received Rs 1 crore in contracts announced last year.
“Fabulous move,” said Bharat Arun. “They are creating a pool of fast bowlers and making them avail the best of know-how from the NCA. These bowlers will have access to the best of physiotherapy and strength and conditioning expertise which would not be as good in their states. Besides, they will learn from the NCA coaches. It is an excellent and much-needed decision,” said the former India bowling coach welcoming the decision.
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