Cheteshwar Pujara could be in for an upgraded central contract
What's the story
Team India's senior batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been in stellar form in the ongoing Test series against Australia. The 30-year-old has notched three centuries and is the highest runs scorer (521). Following his tremendous feat on Aussie soil, the BCCI could be considering an upgrade of contract for the Test player. Here is more on the same.
Contribution
Pujara has played a major role for India
Pujara's three hundreds in the series has played a major part in helping India stay ahead of the hosts. His 193 in the ongoing fourth Test at the SCG was another special feat. Pujara's heroics with the bat has put India in a commanding position to win the Sydney Test. Team India could sign off with a maiden Test series win.
Contract
CoA chief Vinod Rai to discuss details with BCCI
The BCCI has valued Pujara's contribution in the series and could now reward him. Reports state that the Committee of Administrators (CoA) chief Vinod Rai, in all likelihood, is set to present the idea to BCCI selector MSK Prasad. Besides Prasad, the team management, including captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri will also be notified.
Categories
The four categories set by BCCI for players
The revised pay structure was approved in 2018. Four categories were formed to distribute payments. A-plus category players receive a sum of Rs. 7 crore per year. A category players get Rs. 5 crore. The B and C category players receive a sum of Rs. 3 crore and Rs. 1 crore respectively. Pujara currently belongs to A category.
BCCI
'Pujara's brilliant performance deserves recognition'
According to a report in PTI, a senior BCCI official revealed that Pujara could be put into the A-plus category. "Pujara's brilliant performance deserves recognition. The CoA chief will discuss with the team management and the chief selector to check if the rule for all-format specialists in the top bracket can be relaxed." He added that this could send a message to the youngsters.