BCCI agree to Rahul Dravid’s demand for equal pay for Under-19 support staff
What’s the story?
Former Indian captain and India Under-19 coach Rahul Dravid’s demand for equality among the Under-19 support staff has been met. The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) agreed to Dravid’s demand for equal pay for all the members of the support staff of the India Under-19 team.
In case you didn’t know…
India's Under-19 side won the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup on the back of some dominant performances throughout the mega-event. After India won the tournament, the BCCI announced cash prizes for the players, coach and the support staff. All the players got Rs 30 lakh each, head coach Rahul Dravid was given Rs 50 lakh while each member of the support staff got Rs 20 lakh.
After BCCI made this announcement, Dravid questioned the unequal distribution of prize money. He had said, “It’s a bit embarrassing at times because I tend to get a lot of attention and focus, but it is really about the support staff and the quality of people that we’ve had. I don’t want to mention names but everyone in the support staff has put in a great effort. We do the best for the kids.”
The details
Taking heed of Dravid’s statement, the BCCI released a revised list. All members of the coaching staff including Dravid will now get Rs 25 lakh. Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach Abhay Sharma, physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar, trainer Anand Date, masseur Mangesh Gaikwad, and video analyst Devraj Raut will now all receive Rs 25 lakh.
The family of Rajesh Savant was also recognised as he passed away while working with the Under-19 team. The likes of WV Raman (coach during England Tour), logistics managers Manoj Sharma and Sumeet Malahapurkar along with trainer Amogh Pandit have also been included in the list of beneficiaries
“From the time the award was announced, Dravid wasn’t happy with him getting much more than others. He informed the Board that he felt that every member had played an equal role in the team winning the World Cup. It surprised many in the BCCI that he was ready to take a cut in his own earning,” a member of the board told Indian Express.
What’s next?
After a successful World Cup campaign, the Under-19 support staff will now look to build a new team for the next Under-19 World Cup.
Author’s take
This effort from Dravid to get equal distribution of the prize money has to be applauded. Like always, he has remained humble and down to earth, preferring to remain out of the spotlight.