BCCI announces 'one-time benefit' for Indian players

The BCCI president N Srinivasan has announced a "one-time benefit" scheme for Indian cricketers from the proceeds of the play-off games of this year's IPL. Srinivasan made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the IPL today in Chennai.

"I would like to say that from the proceeds of the play-off games of the IPL, the BCCI will give a one-time benefit to those [players] who have graced Indian cricket - international as well as those who have played domestic cricket for a long time," Srinivasan said. "Over 185 players will benefit from this. This is a small thank you to those who have done yeoman service to Indian cricket."

Srinivasan further said that the BCCI had used the money generated from the IPL for promoting the game in India. "The BCCI has made good use of the success of IPL. The BCCI has distributed funds to all associations so that infrastructure, training facilities and academies are developed so that young cricketers have ample opportunities to become good players and knock on the national selection doors."

Srinivasan's announcement was preceded by the captains of the nine IPL teams signing the Spirit of Cricket pledge. The opening ceremony featured performances by several Indian movie artistes including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Prabhu Deva, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Also among the performers was American star Katy Perry.

The IPL kicks off tomorrow with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Mumbai Indians in Chennai.