In a revolutionary move, India’s centrally-contracted women cricketers will earn the same match fees as their male counterparts in international matches, confirmed BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Thursday.
According to the new policy, like men, women cricketers will also earn INR 15 lakh for a Test, 6 lakh for an ODI and 3 lakh for a T20I. Currently, female cricketers get INR 1 lakh for an ODI or T20I and 4 lakh for a Test match.
“I’m pleased to announce BCCI’s first step towards tackling discrimination. We are implementing a pay equity policy for our contracted BCCI Women cricketers. The match fee for both Men and Women Cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian Cricket,” Shah wrote on Twitter.
“The BCCI Women cricketers will be paid the same match fee as their male counterparts. Test (INR 15 lakhs), ODI (INR 6 lakhs), T20I (INR 3 lakhs). Pay equity was my commitment to our women cricketers, and I thank the Apex Council for their support. Jai Hind,” he added.
The @BCCIWomen cricketers will be paid the same match fee as their male counterparts. Test (INR 15 lakhs), ODI (INR 6 lakhs), T20I (INR 3 lakhs). Pay equity was my commitment to our women cricketers and I thank the Apex Council for their support. Jai Hind 🇮🇳
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 27, 2022
However, there have been no changes to the BCCI’s annual retainers for women players. Currently, the Grade A women cricketers get INR 50 lakh, while Grade B and Grade C earn INR 30 lakh and INR 10 lakh, respectively. In comparison, the male cricketers are divided into four categories, with Grade A+ players bagging INR 7 crore, while Grades A, B, and C take home INR 5 crore, 3 crore and 1 crore, respectively.
Former India captain Mithali Raj welcomed the decision and termed it “a historic move for women’s cricket”.
“This is a historic decision for women’s cricket in India! The pay equity policy, along with the WIPL next year, we are ushering into a new era for women’s cricket in India. Thank you, Jay Shah Sir and the BCCI, for making this happen. Really happy today,” tweeted Mithali.
This is a historic decision for women’s cricket in India! The pay equity policy along with the WIPL next year, we are ushering into a new era for women’s cricket in India. Thank you @JayShah Sir & the @BCCI for making this happen. Really happy today. https://t.co/xOwWAwsxfz
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 27, 2022