GCA introduces bonus-money scheme for cricketers

Ahmedabad, July 7 (UNI) The Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) has decided to pay bonus money to its cricketers if they perform well in first-class tournaments.

Talking to reporters here today, GCA president Narhari Amin said the bonus money scheme will take into account both individual and team performance in first class cricket, including Ranji Trophy.

The scheme will be implemented for all groups, starting from Under-13 level to Ranji Trophy, Mr Amin said. The total bonus money for team performance will be Rs 8.25 lakh, he added.

Besides, an individual player can win Rs 2,000 for scoring a century or for taking five wickets in a Ranji Trophy match. This amount will be Rs 500 for players in the U-13 to U-22 levels, he said.

The GCA president informed that the Association has also decided to set up a new training academy with facility of a new ground having ten astro-turfs and two cement pitches.

However, the GCA has suffered a setback following the resignation of chief coach and consultant Anshuman Gaekwad owing to personal reasons. He will be replaced by Anil Patel for Ranji Trophy matches, and will be assisted by other senior coaches like Rajiv Desai, Pathik Patel, Bharat Patel and Dhiren Barot.

For Under-19 and Under-22 teams, former Indian ODI player Ashok Patel has been appointed as the chief coach, Mr Amin added.

UNI