“Don’t think IPL is everything in your life,” ex-Indian star hails BCCI for prioritizing Test cricket

Aakash Chopra believes players can now focus on Tests thanks to the pay involved.

“Don’t think IPL is everything in your life,” ex-Indian star hails BCCI for prioritizing Test cricket

Aakash Chopra heavily praised the BCCI (Image via ABP News)

After beating England in the Dharamshala Test to clinch the series 4-1, the BCCI announced that the pay has been increased for Test cricketers. This new pay scheme sees Test cricketers earning ₹60 lakh per Test, if they are a regular part of the team. This comes after the BCCI announced that the administrative body decided to give priority to Test cricket. 

Former Indian cricketer, Aakash Chopra, heavily praised the BCCI for the move. He spoke on how players always preferred the IPL due to the money involved, but believed a change is soon possible. 

YouTube video
Money is a motivating factor. When the IPL money is publicly discussed so much, the upcoming generation already starts thinking that they have to play the IPL because you get a lot of money there.
Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel 
You will get the same amount of money in Test cricket now and you will get even more at times. So now it has been said that don't think IPL is everything in your life.
He added

Chopra called the decision a “fantastic decision,” and supported the decision. He hailed the BCCI for giving so much importance to Test cricket, calling the move historic. 

Rahul Dravid hopes money isn’t main motive to play Test cricket 

When Rahul Dravid was asked about the BCCI’s decision after the Dharamshala Test, he praised the BCCI for investing more in Test cricket. He was happy that the board had shown importance to the longest format, but was afraid that players would chase the money. 

Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid during a team talk (Image via ESPN)
I think it is a reward, not an incentive. Looking at the guys who came in and played in this series, I think everyone wants to play Test cricket.
Rahul Dravid to the press

Dravid has played 164 Test matches for India in 16 years, starting his Test career in England and ending it in Australia. The Indian legend is a part of the 10k Test runs club, with 13288 runs scored at an average of 52.31. 

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