BCCI confirms equal match fees for India cricketers
The decision was taken in the 15th BCCI Apex Council meeting at which the members unanimously agreed to the resolution.
Legendary Indian cricketer Mithali Raj chose to describe the latest update from BCCI as a "historic decision for women's cricket in India". With this policy, India's women cricketers will earn INR 15 lakh for a Test, 6 lakh for an ODI and 3 lakh for a T20I, the same as the men's cricketers.
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
Described as the first step towards eliminating gender discrimination, the hike is significant given the prior fixed match fee of INR 1 lakh per match for limited-overs matches and INR 4 lakh per Test.
There are no changes to the annual contract at this point – India's women cricketers are slotted into pay brackets similar to the male cricketers, but have lower contracts.
Truly a red letter day for Women’s Cricket in India with pay parity announced for women and men. Thank you @BCCI and @JayShah
— Harmanpreet Kaur (@ImHarmanpreet) October 27, 2022
Those in the highest bracket, Grade A, have an annual contract of INR 50 lakh, while Grade B and Grade C earn INR 30 lakh and INR 10 lakh respectively.
“In our Apex Council meeting today, we have made a marquee decision on pay equity for our women cricketers," newly anointed BCCI President Roger Binny said.
"Our women players will be paid the same match fees as men in international cricket. This decision sets the platform to grow and develop cricket. I believe this is a significant step forward for women’s cricket and the game overall.”
Shah reiterated that it was a "landmark decision" in Indian cricket. “It was my commitment to our women cricketers and pay equity is an important step towards tackling discrimination.
"The female cricketers will be paid the same match fee as their male counterparts. Test (INR 15 lakhs), ODI (INR 6 lakhs), T20I (INR 3 lakhs). This is a landmark decision as we enter a new era in India Cricket. I would like to thank my colleagues in the BCCI Apex Council.”