The Mumbai Cricket Association has formalised its long-mooted player contract system, outlining the structure and framework of what it hopes will be a cornerstone in strengthening its domestic ecosystem.

The decision, approved in principle by the MCA Apex Council on January 15, now has its details in place. The contracts will be awarded based on performance, fitness benchmarks and recommendations of the selection committee, with an eye on players on the cusp of higher honours.

Under the new system, players will be slotted into three grades — Grade A (₹12-20 lakh), Grade B (₹8-12 lakh) and Grade C (₹8 lakh) annually — in addition to match fees, daily allowances and performance-linked incentives. The move is aimed at providing financial stability and a more structured professional environment, while also ensuring a steady pipeline to higher levels of cricket. The list of players will be drawn up closer to the season in consultation with the selection panel and the cricket improvement committee.

MCA president Ajinkya Naik termed it a “new era” for Mumbai cricket, adding that the initiative would “provide greater security, structure, and growth opportunities” and help “strengthen the foundation” of the system.

While the intent marks a progressive step, the MCA is not the first state association to introduce player contracts. Associations like Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttarakhand have experimented with similar models over the past two decades, though none has managed to sustain it over the long term.

That context makes MCA’s implementation significant. For the past two domestic seasons, instead of central contracts, the association had opted to top up BCCI match fees for its senior men’s players with an equal contribution from its own coffers.

The shift to a structured contract system signals a move towards long-term planning rather than ad-hoc support. Having taken the lead for the upcoming season, the MCA will hope the model not only endures but also safeguards and incentivises its senior men’s cricketers while nurturing the next generation.

Published on Apr 16, 2026