Indian cricketers are the best paid among sportspersons in our country and yet it seems they are not happy.
AFP
After the series against Australia, the BCCI said that Virat Kohli raised this issue and wanted them to fatten their purse as he felt Grade A cricketers should get Rs 5 crore. He was backed by coach Anil Kumble. Now former player Ravi Shastri too has come out and said that they are paid well below international standards. He claimed what Indian players got was 'peanuts'. Grade A contracts consists of players like MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.
The new pay hikes mean that those with a Grade A contract are getting Rs 2 crore per annum. Their contention is that the likes of Joe Root and Steve Smith are getting paid much more in terms of Indian currency. The fact that they are being paid in a different currency does not seem to matter.
PTI
But before Indian cricketers go after the world's richest board for more cash, one must remember that they are the best paid sportspersons in the country.?
While a top cricketer gets Rs 2 crore, footballers earn around Rs 70 lakh every year and that too after the recent pay hike.
For hockey players it is even less as they get Rs 15 lakh a year. When you see these numbers, you realise that the cricketers might just be crying for no reason. Considering that that they once had to eat peanuts during Rio Olympics, cricketers are certainly in a better condition.
PTI
So Team India, you are better off as more money is invested in cricket than any other sport. Not a good feeling if other disciplines are to be promoted but that's the stark reality. However, as of now?