The decision, approved in principle by the MCA Apex Council on January 15, now has its details in place. The contracts will be awarded based on performance, fitness benchmarks and recommendations of the selection committee, with an eye on players on the cusp of higher honours.<\/p>\n
Under the new system, players will be slotted into three grades \u2014 Grade A (\u20b912-20 lakh), Grade B (\u20b98-12 lakh) and Grade C (\u20b98 lakh) annually \u2014 in addition to match fees, daily allowances and performance-linked incentives. The move is aimed at providing financial stability and a more structured professional environment, while also ensuring a steady pipeline to higher levels of cricket. The list of players will be drawn up closer to the season in consultation with the selection panel and the cricket improvement committee.<\/p>\n
MCA president Ajinkya Naik termed it a \u201cnew era\u201d for Mumbai cricket, adding that the initiative would \u201cprovide greater security, structure, and growth opportunities\u201d and help \u201cstrengthen the foundation\u201d of the system.<\/p>\n
While the intent marks a progressive step, the MCA is not the first state association to introduce player contracts. Associations like Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttarakhand have experimented with similar models over the past two decades, though none has managed to sustain it over the long term.<\/p>\n
That context makes MCA\u2019s implementation significant. For the past two domestic seasons, instead of central contracts, the association had opted to top up BCCI match fees for its senior men\u2019s players with an equal contribution from its own coffers.<\/p>\n
The shift to a structured contract system signals a move towards long-term planning rather than ad-hoc support. Having taken the lead for the upcoming season, the MCA will hope the model not only endures but also safeguards and incentivises its senior men\u2019s cricketers while nurturing the next generation.<\/p>\n
Published on Apr 16, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n