New performance-based clause to be discussed: BCCI

India's poor start to their tour of South Africa has prompted the Indian board (BCCI) to consider introducing a performance-based payment system for its cricketers, but an immediate pay cut has been ruled out. The matter will be discussed once India returns from South Africa.

After India's 157-run loss at Durban, Shashank Manohar, the BCCI vice-president, claimed that if he had his way, non-performing players would "not receive a penny."

"The way our team played, none of the players should be paid a single penny. As it is, we have been blamed for making players millionaires by way of bonus payments," he was quoted as saying in media reports. "Now, let there be a system where only those who perform get good money. We have done our utmost to provide the players with the best of facilities and support staff. It's the job of the players to deliver on the field, not ours. We at best can take corrective action and measures."

His harsh words came in the wake of criticism from members of India's Parliament who demanded that Greg Chappell, the coach, be sacked.

However, not every board official was as aggressive. Ratnakar Shetty, the BCCI's chief administrative officer, confirmed that there was no immediate worry. "These things have not been discussed as yet with the players. Discussions on the clauses of the new contracts will be held only after the team's return from South Africa," he said. "Yes, some members feel that the match fees paid to the players should be performance-related but no such discussions have taken place with the players as yet."

India's next match is at Cape Town on November 26.