The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has moved ahead of its peers by rolling out annual contracts for its domestic squad, the first such scheme by an Indian state body.
Under the plan, players will be slotted into three grades – A, B and C – with annual retainers of INR 12-20 lakh, INR 8-12 lakh and INR 8 lakh respectively. Match fees, daily allowances and performance bonuses sit on top.
Key details, though, remain open. Most notably, the MCA has not clarified whether the scheme will cover the women’s programme as well as the men’s. Officials say that point will be addressed “after internal discussions”.
“The system is designed to support players who are on the cusp of higher honours, ensuring stability and motivation to perform consistently at the domestic level,” the MCA said in a statement.
In practical terms, the selectors will recommend names based on recent returns, fitness markers and attitude reports. Contracts run for one season and are subject to review.
“This initiative marks a new era for Mumbai cricket,” MCA president Ajinkya Naik said. “We are proud to be the first association to implement a player contract system – a progressive step that will provide greater security, structure, and growth opportunities for our Mumbai players. It reflects our vision to strengthen the foundation of Mumbai cricket and empower the next generation of cricketers.”
A senior coach involved in the set-up welcomed the move, pointing out that “even a steady eight-lakh retainer helps a youngster think cricket first and job hunting later.”
The introduction mirrors national central contracts – now standard practice – but is a rarity at state level. Observers expect other associations to watch the trial closely, particularly around budget impact and player retention. If the model works, a broader domestic contract framework could follow, bringing India’s deep talent pool under a more professional umbrella without sacrificing the traditional grind of the Ranji calendar.
