All those gloating over the millions earned by the cricketers from the IPL 4 auctions are in for a surprise, much like the players themselves because these pay packets come with a rider.
If Gautam Gambhir thought it was a matter of putting the Rs. eleven crores in the bank, think again. Gambhir will have to earn every penny of that money as the IPL franchisees have pulled a coup of sorts.
The players have had to re-read the fine print of their contract documents because it appears getting paid in the IPL is no longer a straightforward matter. Rather the players will be forced to push beyond the limit and ensure that not only they but the entire team is pulling its weight because after all, their pay cheque will reflect it.
According to the new contracts issues by the IPL franchisees in agreement, the players will earn the amount as stated at the auctions provided their respective team finishes amongst the top three teams of the IPL 4 season. The obvious rider is the qualification for the Champions League Twenty20 2011. The players will earn only earn eighty percent of their auction amount should their team fail to make the cut and not qualify for the CL T20.
From being a ‘fun’ sport that paid them handsomely, the IPL has got a whole lot serious, from the franchisees’ perspectives who are no longer interested in cricketers who cannot devote time or energy to the purpose of the team’s cause. After all, a good performance is not only a ticket to the CL T20 but also, a lucrative attraction for sponsorship deals that could raise the business and profit angle for these franchisees who are looking to cash in on their investments.
The news has hit the players because they are now being subjected to pay per performance. While the concept of the IPL seemed like all in a day’s work, they will now be held accountable for how the entire team fares, in other words, not only their performance but also, that of their varied team mates will affect how much goes into the bank.
Can one then blame the players for wanting to take this matter higher?
