BCCI accepts the Rahul Dravid demand for equality in prize money

The Indian team recently emerged as the winners of the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. They humbled Australia in the Final and entered history as the team with as many as four titles. Prithvi Shaw’s boys were clinical throughout the entire duration of the tournament and remained unbeaten in their six games. Subsequently, they received a lucrative prize money from the BCCI for their stupendous efforts. The players and support staff received INR 30 Lakhs and INR 20 Lakhs respectively.

However, Rahul Dravid, their coach, received 50 Lakhs for his stint with the team. The decision displeased Dravid and he called for equality in the distribution of prize money from the BCCI. To his delight, the board has agreed to his requests and subsequently, Dravid and every member of the staff will get 25 Lakhs each. An Indian official talked about Dravid’s reaction after the initial declaration of the prize money in a recent interaction with the media.

An Unhappy Dravid

“From the time the award was announced, Dravid wasn’t happy with him getting much more than others. He informed the Board that he felt that every member had played an equal role in the team winning the World Cup. It surprised many in the BCCI that he was ready to take a cut in his own earning,” the official was quoted as saying to the Indian Express.  Dravid has always shown humility and he is someone who doesn’t crave for limelight and publicity.

Rather, he wants the performers to get applauded the rewarded accordingly. “It’s a bit embarrassing at times because I tend to get a lot of attention and focus, but it is really about the support staff and the quality of people that we’ve had. I don’t want to mention names but everyone in the support staff has put in a great effort. We do the best for the kids.” Dravid mentioned after India’s victory in the Final.