As the series between India and Zimbabwe ends with favorable results for India, it must have been a good experience for the young team. Although it is a heartening to watch India win, this series was mostly one sided. Although the Indian team was comprised of mostly youngsters, they had got the momentum and confidence of a winning side. On the other side, the Zimbabwe team on their part did a great job of trying their best against a formidable side like India. I would like to salute and congratulate the team Zimbabwe for their extraordinary efforts in almost all the matches.
Why am I calling this series a ‘Contest of Differences’??
There are many reasons for which I would like to call this series between India and Zimbabwe a ‘Contest of Differences’. The differences that I am going to highlight here are based on the facilities, earning for players, support staff for both the teams etc.
Compensation for the Captains: Indian captain,Virat Kohli gets Rs 3 Lacs per game as a Match fee, and in addition to this, he is also has a contract with the BCCI and for which he is paid more than Rs 1cr per year. On the other hand Brendan Taylor captain of the Zimbabwe team () gets only Rs 3.6lacs as a compensation for the whole year.
Meals for Teams: Whenever the Indian team is on a tour, they have their food only in five star hotels on the expenses of the BCCI. On the other hand, Zimbabwe Cricket Board can’t afford to manage food at Hotels or Restaurants. Whole Team has to visit stadium for meals, thrice a day. Team India is very choosy in their food selection, but Zimbabwe players don’t have any option but to eat what is available to them.
Transportation: BCCI provides Volvo fully air conditioned private buses, Air tickets or other private transport to carry players from one venue to other venue, but on the other hand Zimbabwe players have to take local transport to reach the venue of their next game.
Boards of Both Teams: As we all know Board for Cricket Control in India is the richest cricket board in the world, but the situation is not as pleasing for Zimbabwe cricket board. As they are having a liability of US$ 1500 and the board is not capable to pay back their liability.
Additional Facilities provided: BCCI also provides Batting, Bowling and Fielding coaches to Team India, aAlong with physiotherapist, Technical team support staff, Special doctors for keeping their mind calm and steady in pressure situations. The Zimbabwe team on the other hand doesn’t have such a big army of support staff with their team..
Now I would like to ask you a question. Would you be able to the condition of Zimbabwe players from their playing style, passion and determination for the game? These all special elements forced me to salute the Zimbabwe team, for the contribution which they have made in this big series to make all of us entertained. They never allowed team India to pluck a easy win. So, I am sure you would agree to my assertion that this was the biggest contest of Difference between the two Teams.