The graded system of payment for Indian cricketers is likely to be introduced before the team undertakes its first full-fledged tour of Pakistan in 15 years in February 2004.

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Disclosing this in Kolkata on Tuesday, Borad of Control for Cricket in India president Jagmohan Dalmiya said it will not be possible to implement the system before the team embarks on the 82-day tour of Australia on Friday.

"The details of the new system are still being worked out and it will take a little more time to be ready for implementation," Dalmiya said on the sidelines of the tri-series final between India and Australia at the Eden Gardens.

The Indian team is scheduled to return from Australia in the middle of February and will then travel to Pakistan after a break of about a fortnight.

The Board is planning to introduce a graded system of payment for Indian cricketers based on their experience and seniority in the team.

A total of 20 cricketers will form a national pool of players and they will be divided into three categories for an annual contractual payment of Rs 60 lakh, Rs 30 lakh and Rs 15 lakh respectively based on their seniority while the match fee will be extra.

The general body of the Board had approved the new system at its annual meeting in Kolkata in September.