Date:31/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/31/stories/2008083156382000.htm

Sport - Cricket

Pay hike for first class cricketers

Mumbai: India’s first class players are likely to receive Rs. 37,000 for each match day of the senior tournaments played in the 2007-08 season. This match fees covers the Irani Cup, Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, Challenger Trophy and the zonal and all-India inter-State one-day tournaments. The players received Rs. 26,000 for each match day of the 2006-07 season.

The BCCI Treasurer N. Srinivasan had in fact projected a sum of Rs. 36,000 for the 2007-08 season after the last year’s AGM in Mumbai.

Pawar can contest

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) removed restrictions on Sharad Pawar from contesting the election for the post of President in 2009. Mr. Pawar, who was first elected as MCA President in 2001, completes an eight-year term in 2009. The MCA AGM on Saturday unanimously adopted a resolution of the Managing Committee to allow Mr. Pawar to contest the election next year.

The MCA’s 330 odd clubs were also told about the Rs. 150 crore redevelopment plan of the Wankhede Stadium. The state of the art new stadium with a capacity of 39,000 is expected to be ready in December 2010. The ICC World Cup final is to be played at the Wankhede in April 2011. — Special Correspondent