"we move into a new era of gender equality in Cricket."
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that players in the men’s and women’s international sides will receive equal match fees.
Jay Shah, honorary secretary for the BCCI, said contracted cricketers would receive the same pay in a “new era of gender equality” in cricket.
He tweeted: “I’m pleased to announce BCCI’s first step towards tackling discrimination.
“We are implementing pay equity policy for our contracted BCCI women cricketers.
“The match fee for both Men and Women Cricketers will be same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Cricket.”
I’m pleased to announce @BCCI’s first step towards tackling discrimination. We are implementing pay equity policy for our contracted @BCCIWomen cricketers. The match fee for both Men and Women Cricketers will be same as we move into a new era of gender equality in ?? Cricket. pic.twitter.com/xJLn1hCAtl
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) October 27, 2022
Meanwhile, BCCI President Roger Binny said the decision is a major step forward for women’s cricket and the sport in general.
The move follows a five-year deal agreed by New Zealand Cricket in July 2022.
While match fees will be standardised, the amount paid as retainers or central contracts will still vary.
According to the new system, both Indian male and female international cricketers will receive Rs. 15 Lakh (£15,700) per Test, Rs. 6 Lakh (£6,200) per ODI and Rs. 3 Lakh (£3,100) per T20I.
Previously, female players received Rs. 1 Lakh (£1,000) for ODIs and T20Is while Test matches were Rs. 4 Lakh (£4,100).
India is the second country in world cricket after New Zealand introduced equal pay for its male and female international cricketers.
The announcement has led to a wave of praise.
Former India Women’s captain Mithali Raj said:
“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.”
Harbhajan Singh tweeted: “Happy to know that BCCI has taken the decision of pay equity policy for sportspersons in cricket.
“BCCI has set a standard for other sports bodies. It will encourage greater participation of women in the game. A historic milestone indeed!”
It was not just cricketers praising the historic announcement but also Bollywood celebrities.
Anushka Sharma, the wife of Virat Kohli, shared a screenshot of Jay Shah’s tweet on her Instagram Stories and posted three clapping hands emojis.
Meanwhile, Taapsee Pannu tweeted:
“A huge step towards equal pay for equal work. Thank you BCCI for leading with example.”
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