Apex Council Approves Revised Pay Structure
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to a significant revision of the match fee for women’s domestic cricketers nearly doubling the current fees across age-group and senior tournaments. The decision was approved at the recent Apex Council meeting. The decision is in the wake of India’s historic victory at the Women’s World Cup the result of which has greatly increased the visibility of women’s cricket in India.
According to those who are who are familiar with the issue the new fee structure is intended to improving the ecosystem in the country and making sure women cricketers receive financial and supported throughout the entire season.
Senior Domestic Cricket Sees Sharp Increase
In the new structure, players who are part of the playing XI of senior women’s domestic multi-day and one-day matches are now earning an average of Rs50,000 a day. This is an increase from the previous rate of just Rs20,000 per day. Reserve players participating in the same competitions will be paid daily Rs25,000, an increase from the previous rate of Rs10,000.
The boost is applicable to the major domestic tournaments, as well as is anticipated to increase the earnings of players who play regularly throughout the season.
Updated Fees for Women’s T20 Competitions
In the domestic T20 matches in the domestic T20 competitions, the BCCI has also approved an enormous upward revision. Players playing in the playing XI will receive a salary of Rs25,000 for each match day, as compared to earlier, which was Rs10,000. Reserve players will receive 12,500 per day for matches which is an increase of just Rs5,000.
Officials said that the updated T20 costs reflect the growing importance of the shorter format in the development of players and the involvement of fans, especially at the national level.
Age-Group Cricket Receives Financial Boost
The updated structure will be extended to tournaments for age groups as well. Women who play cricket in Under-23 or Under-19 tournaments will now be paid daily payments of Rs25,000 when they are chosen for the playing XI. reserve players will receive daily at Rs 12,500.
In the past, first-choice players at these levels made approximately Rs10,000 for each match day while reserves earned around the equivalent of Rs5,000. The higher remuneration is expected to alleviate financial strain on players in their youth and their families during the crucial developmental time.
Season Earnings See Significant Rise
Thanks to the revised match fee for women of senior age, a cricketer who participates in different formats throughout the course of a whole season could make an estimated amount of between Rs12 and 14 lakh through match fee. This is quite a change from previous seasons, when income was significantly lower for regular players.
BCCI officials believe that this amount of compensation will allow players to concentrate on their training and competing and lessen the need for supplementary revenue during the season.
World Cup Win Influences Policy Shift
The decision is in the wake of the Indian World Cup women’s ODI World Cup triumph, that has been widely recognized as the turning point in the women’s sport in India. The victory in the title race drew an unprecedented amount of attention, interest from commercial sources as well as public support and bolstered the case for greater investments at the national level.
The board’s sources indicated that the performance that the team has achieved has bolstered internal discussions on giving more recognition to the talented pool of players that are fed international cricket.
Domestic Coaches and Players Welcome Decision
State-wide players and coaches from all associations have been pushing for a change to match fees in the last several seasons. Many felt that the current fee structure was not adequate to reflect the physical demands, time spent in preparation and travel obligations required in the domestic cricket.
The new fees are anticipated to assist state entities in keeping their talent, particularly when the competition for skilled athletes grows in professional and sports.
Match Officials Also Benefit From Revision
The BCCI’s decision also provides an increase in the amount paid to match officials who are involved playing women’s national cricket. Referees and umpires will receive a uniform payment of daily Rs40,000 for matches in league. In knockout matches the fee will be between Rs50,000 to Rs60,000 per day dependent on the job and the stage of the event.
Officials have stated that the change is designed to ensure consistency, professionalism, as well as higher standards of officiating across all national contests.
Alignment With Broader Gender Parity Measures
In recent times in recent years, in recent years, the BCCI took steps to eliminating pay gaps in the field of cricket. In 2022 the BCCI board declared equal match fees for women and men’s international cricketers, which brought parity in ODIs, Tests, and T20 internationals.
Although the most recent revision to the domestic contract doesn’t affect the central contract values of women athletes, the change is viewed as part of a wider plan to establish lasting pathways and reduce the gap in financial resources in the sport.
Central Contracts Remain Unchanged
Despite the rise in fees for domestic matches however, it is the same for women’s central contracts. is the same. The top contract grade for female cricketers remains at Rs50 lakh per annum, which is less than the top grade for males.
BCCI officials said the contract structure is reviewed frequently and influenced by various aspects, such as the revenue streams, scheduling as well as international obligations.
Focus on Strengthening the Domestic Pipeline
The administrators have characterized the updated pay system as a way to invest in the long-term development of female cricket players in India. Through enhancing financial incentives at the national as well as age group levels, the board is hoping to increase the number of players and boost competition at the zonal and state tournaments.
The plan is anticipated to inspire more younger cricketers to see cricket as a viable career option, backed by a more clear and solid domestic framework.
Growing Momentum in Women’s Cricket
The increase in pay is the result of a sustained growth in women’s cricket that is characterized by impressive international performances, a rise in broadcast coverage and increasing the interest of fans. The domestic competitions have attracted more focus, as selectors put greater emphasis on the consistency of performances at the national level.
With the new match fees that are now in effect the women’s domestic cricket game in India begins a new phase which is supported by a greater financial recognition as well as a new commitment to stability in the professional game across all levels and levels of play.