ICC plans dedicated fund to boost Test cricket
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning to establish a dedicated fund, aimed at enhancing match fees and curbing the talent exodus toward lucrative franchise leagues.
This initiative has received backing from Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Jay Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has also expressed his support for this initiative.
Financial boost
ICC's fund to set minimum Test match fee
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the proposed fund by the ICC would set a minimum Test match fee of $10,000 (£7,600) for players.
This move is designed to assist national boards that are currently unable to compete with the salaries offered in global T20 competitions.
Shah has publicly endorsed a fund of "$5m, $10m or higher," which could help offset the costs borne by less affluent boards when hosting Test cricket matches.
Touring fee
ECB introduces touring fee for Zimbabwe's visit
The ECB has demonstrated its commitment to supporting other boards by introducing a touring fee for Zimbabwe's visit to England for a one-off Test in May.
Richard Gould, the ECB chief executive, confirmed last month that Zimbabwe would be recipients of this fee next year.
The Test with Zimbabwe will commence at Trent Bridge on May 22, marking a resumption of relations between the two sides after nearly two decades.
Historic match
ECB announces historic women's Test at Lord's
In addition to the men's fixtures, the ECB has announced that India will visit England in 2026 for the first-ever women's Test at Lord's.
This decision follows a report from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket last year, which criticized the fact that England's women had never played a Test at this iconic venue.
Upcoming fixtures
England's 2025 home international schedule revealed
The ECB has also revealed its home international schedule for 2025.
After their single match against Zimbabwe, England's men will continue their Test commitments with a five-match series against India, starting on June 20 at Headingley and ending at the Oval with the final Test commencing on July 31.
The other three Tests will be held at Edgbaston, Lord's and Old Trafford.