The youngest unit of BCCI – Uttarakhand Cricket Association – became the first state association to ensure financial security to its first-class players.
The state has confirmed five scholarships of ₹ 10,000 per month each for the junior boys and girls. The move has been made to ensure security for players, as these scholarships and contracts allows players to subsidise the cost of equipment, nutrition etc.
Twitter welcomed this move. Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman took to Twitter to commend the move by Uttarakhand Cricket: “Well done Uttarakhand Cricket & @AmritMathur1 First class cricketers need to have the financial security esp keeping in mind the lack of job opportunities for them. Had suggested the same to HCA a decade back. Hopefully more Associations will get this contract system in place.”
Former cricketer and now analyst Aakash Chopra commented: “Delighted to know that Uttarakhand has become the first state cricket association to announce contracts for its First-Class cricketers and scholarships for Under-16/19 cricketers (both men and women). A young association leading the pack... @AmritMathur1 @BCCI”
Cricket analyst Boria Majumdar hailed the move and stressed the importance of gender equality in cricket: “Very good initiative @AmritMathur1 to have contracts for first class cricketers. This is a step of the future. Let’s have for both men and women. Very imp to ensure sport becomes gender neutral.”
A fan also commented on Twitter saying: “Great to know this news! Love that. Same has to be implemented in all the states. @BCCI @BCCIdomestic should back up every state cricket association. @BCCIWomen @TNCACricket #Uttarakhand”
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)