“Gentleman” Rahul Dravid has once again shown a fine example of his character by deciding to forgo half the Rs 5 crore that he was due to receive from the Rs 1.25 crore prize pool announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the T20 World Cup winning Indian team. After Rohit Sharma’s team defeated South Africa in the final to clinch the title, the BCCI announced a total of Rs 1.25 crore in cash incentives to the team, coaching staff and support staff. Coach Rahul Dravid’s share will be Rs 5 crore, while the rest of the team’s coaching staff will receive Rs 2.5 crore each.
According to a report in the Hindustan Times, Dravid has requested the board to reduce his cash remuneration to Rs 25 million as he does not want to take more in comparison to the batting, bowling and fielding coaches.
“Rahul has demanded the same bonus (Rs 25 lakh) as other support staff — bowling coach Paras Muhambray, fielding coach T Dilip and batting coach Vikram Rathore — and we respect his sentiments,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying in the report.
I am pleased to announce a prize fund of INR 1,250 crore for the winning Indian team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The team demonstrated exceptional talent, determination and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and supporters! pic.twitter.com/KINRLSexsD
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 30, 2024
Notably, Dravid had taken a similar position as head coach of India’s U-19 World Cup winning team in 2018. At the time, Dravid was to receive Rs 5 million and other members of the support staff Rs 2 million each. The players were to earn Rs 3 million each, as per officials. Dravid rejected such a dichotomy, forcing the BCCI to change the distribution rate to reward everyone equally.
The board then issued a revised pay list, with all support staff, including Dravid, set to earn Rs 25 lakh.
Dravid has time and again won accolades for his selfless style. During his playing days, even as a batsman, he always put the team’s interest first. As a coach, Dravid continues to bat for those he works with.
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