Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to introduce player contract system from 2026-27 season

Key facts

• MCA decided to implement annual contracts for its players effective from the 2026-2027 domestic season.
• The contract system will have three grades – A, B and C – with remuneration based on grade.
• Grade A players will be paid between 12 lakh and 20 lakh rupees per annum.
• Grade B players will be paid between 8 lakh and 12 lakh rupees per annum.
• Grade C players will receive 8 lakh rupees per annum.
• The proposal was passed during the recent Apex Council meeting of MCA.
• MCA President Ajinkya Naik stated that the contract system will provide stability to players who do not feature in the IPL.
• Eligibility criteria include registration with MCA, meeting minimum fitness standards, not having represented India in any format in the past two seasons, not being selected by an IPL team in the past two seasons, and recommendation by the selection committee.
• In 2024, MCA decided to match the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) match fees for Ranji Trophy cricketers, which range from Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 per day depending on the number of games played.