MCA clears annual contract system, introduces graded pay from 2026-27
Mumbai Cricket Association has approved a player contract system starting from the 2026-27 domestic season, becoming the first state association to take this step. The proposal was passed in a recent Apex Council meeting and will introduce a structured payment model for domestic cricketers.
Players will be divided into three categories – Grade A, B and C. Those in Grade A will earn between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 20 lakh annually, while Grade B players will receive Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh. Grade C players will be paid Rs 8 lakh. The move is aimed at offering financial stability to players who are not part of the IPL but continue to represent Mumbai across formats.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik said the system had been planned for some time and was designed to support a wider pool of players.
Eligibility rules set as focus shifts to non-IPL domestic players
The contracts will come with clear eligibility conditions. Players must be registered with the MCA and meet fitness standards set by the association. They should not have represented India or been part of any IPL squad in the past two seasons. Final selection will be based on recommendations from the selection committee.
The move targets a group often left out of major earnings despite consistent domestic performances. MCA has acknowledged that not all players get IPL opportunities, and this system aims to bridge that gap.
MCA sets the benchmark as domestic structure moves towards stability
The association had earlier matched match fees for Ranji Trophy players with those offered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, ensuring players receive payments from both the board and the state body. With the addition of annual contracts, Mumbai’s domestic structure now moves closer to a more secure and organised setup.
There is also a wider implication. With MCA taking the lead, other state associations could follow in the coming years. It sets a template, and if adopted more widely, it could change how domestic cricketers are supported across the country.