Increasing Test match fees 'will certainly raise the players' spirit' - Mashrafe Mortaza

Senior Bangladesh players Mashrafe Mortaza and Mahmudullah have lauded the BCB for increasing Test match fees as well as the restructuring of player contracts, which would be split into red and white-ball contracts. Mashrafe welcomed the move, also suggesting that all-format players and those who play more Test cricket should be paid more than the rest.

Bangladesh will become the latest to adopt this system of central contracts, following England, Australia, South Africa and West Indies. BCB president Nazmul Hassan had said after Sunday's meeting that they would finalise the players' list during a follow-up meeting on Wednesday, after which there would be an official announcement.

"I think it is a really good decision but the better decision was to do the split between red and white-ball players," Mashrafe said. "Those who are playing all three formats should get more salary than the ones who play one or two formats.

"Even, the salary should be better for those who give more emphasis to Tests. It might change our scenario of Test cricket. It will certainly raise the players' spirit, giving them more incentive to play Tests."

Bangladesh's cricketers are also hopeful more of their demands from their strike in October last year would be met by the board, which has so far increased the match fees and daily allowance in first-class cricket, and then raised the international match fees for the first time in three years.

Mahmudullah, who was one of the leading voices during the strike, said that the board's decision will benefit the players greatly.

"I thank the board for this positive decision. It would raise interest in Test cricket. Not that there was any less interest, but at the end of the day, it is our bread and butter. We make our earnings from here. I think the boys will find more encouragement.

"There's definite progress on that [players' strike] front, which is beneficial for our cricket and cricketers. I welcome the board's decision," he said.