On January 5, the highly anticipated Ranji Trophy, India’s domestic cricket competition, began play. Aiming to boost incentives for Indian players, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made some historic moves. By introducing “Player of the Match” honors, the Indian board has now gone one step farther in the same direction.
That means that the player who deserves it will now earn a medal for his efforts after every Ranji Trophy 2024 match, in addition to the match prize money, which will be paid out in cash or check. Notably, the sponsors of the Ranji Trophy used to give the players INR 25,000 until 2023. It is unclear, nevertheless, if the existing monetary award for the “Player of the Match” in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 would increase in any positive way.
The BCCI has sent “Player of the Match” medals to every host association for the Ranji Trophy matches for both the Elite and Plate groups. You are instructed to hand over the medal (one per match) to the match referee on his or her arrival,” BCCI specified in a circular distributed to all match referees and state associations, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Why did the BCCI announce the Ranji Trophy 2024 Player of the Match Medal?
The BCCI was reportedly of the opinion that occasionally seeing an appreciation medal will encourage the players to continue their strict regimen and gradually improve their game, given the persistent efforts the Indian cricket board’s apex board has been making for quite some time, demonstrating a progressive attitude and approach towards its domestic talents playing in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 and beyond. In the near future, these medals will therefore act as a continual reminder and also turn into a priceless addition to the houses of the players.
When it comes to awards, athletes in other sports have something to show, but domestic cricketers were not given this. Therefore, it was determined that after every game, prizes would include cash and medals. Domestic players will have something to take back home,” a BCCI official explained.
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