Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey

The International Cricket Council (ICC) could introduce a dedicated fund to boost Test cricket outside the “big three”. According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the BCCI, CA and ECB are all in favour of the move to make Test cricket more lucrative for players from around the world.

The total fund is expected to be around US$15 million. The minimum standard match fee is reported to be about US$10,000, excluding payments from the boards themselves.

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When is the Test cricket fund expected to be introduced?

There is a chance that the fund could be implemented in 2025. For that to happen, the concept needs to be agreed upon before Christmas this year.

Earlier this month, BCCI secretary Jay Shah spoke of his support of the fund. Speaking to journalists at Times of India’s office, Shah, who is the favourite to become the ICC chairman in November, said discussions as underway.

“I am a member of F&CA (Finance and Commercial Affairs) of the ICC,” said Shah, as quoted by Cricbuzz. “I have suggested there should be a dedicated fund for Test cricket. It’s very expensive to host Test matches. If the (ICC) Board approves, we can do that. We’re trying to create a special fund for Test cricket.”

CA chairman Mark Baird is also confident. Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, Baird said there is momentum behind the Test cricket fund.

“It’s fantastic to see some momentum behind the Test-match fund,” he said. “We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white-ball cricket.”