India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly says players will not be affected by the proposed cut in match fees as there will not be an overall reduction on payments under the proposed contract system.
"On the match fees there will be a cut, but overall there is no reduction in payment; it's just that the pay structure will be different," Ganguly told newsmen at his residence in Kolkata.
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"We are not unhappy due to the proposed cut in match fees as overall payment will not be reduced," he added.
BCCI joint-secretary Ratnakar Shetty had said that under the proposed contract system the match fees for players is expected to be reduced by around Rs 65,000 for both the Test and One-Day Internationals.
Ganguly sought to play down the current debate on selection of the opening pair for the Indian team, expressing confidence that the issue would be sorted out by the team management at the appropriate time.
"The Test matches will start only in October so I don't know why this issue is being raised now," he said.
He, however, again indicated his preference for Yuvraj Singh in the opening slot with Virender Sehwag.
"Yuvraj is an outstanding cricketer. Though he used to come as a number six batsman in one-dayers, he performed outstandingly as a Test opener," Ganguly said, adding "I have told him to get prepared for the opener's slot."
"But you cannot rule out Akash Chopra. He will definitely be a part of the team management's plans and thinking process. It's early to say who will finally be picked. We have to see how the form of everybody goes," the captain said.
Asked whether an alternative for Rahul Dravid doubling up as the team's wicket-keeper in one-dayers has been found, Ganguly replied: "We have been trying to find somebody who can do duty behind the stumps as good as Dravid and also contribute with the bat at number seven."
"If anybody can fulfill these requirements he will be part of the team," he said.
To a query on Harbahjan Singh's return to practice after prolonged absence due to a finger injury, he said, "We have to give him some time to regain his old touch."
Conceding that India would be under additional pressure to win next month's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka after beating Pakistan on their home soil, Ganguly said, "It is good to play under such pressure of winning," but drew a note of caution while saying that the Indian team has not played any match since playing Pakistan in March.
Asked to comment on Bengal pacer Shivsundar Pal, who was selected for pacers camp in Bangalore recently, he said he is performing well in domestic cricket and holds promise for a bright future.
Ganguly, accompanied by wife Dona, earlier released a biography of renowned social activist Atiya Mushtaque at his residence.
Describing Mushtaque, who is also teacher of his daughter Sana, as a dear friend, he said, "I feel honoured to get this privilege. I hope she will keep on her good work. She will have all our support for her endeavour."
Ganguly also disclosed that Dona is associated with the social welfare work taken up by Mushtaque, who is also president of Rotary Club of Kolkata, Metro City.
