Domestic and Women Cricketers to get a Hike in Match Fees

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s finance committee has decided to give a 100% pay hike to domestic players. Women cricketers and match officials will also get a hike in salary, the Indian Express reported.

Further, the pay structure for umpires, match referees and video analysts may also get revised. Incidentally, match officials got their last pay raise about six years back in 2011.

One must also note that women’s senior team gets Rs 3,300 per game. It is lesser than what the board pays to the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) officer i.e. Rs 5,000 per day during the Ranji Trophy.

“Whatever percentage hike domestic cricketers get, match officials will also get same percentage hike. For example, if the committee gives a 50% hike per match day to players, then they will give a 50% hike to match officials also,” sources in the BCCI have informed.

"I am hopeful of a women’s IPL.  It will be great for the team and those who aspire to be cricketers. It will also do good for domestic women cricketers. They can have more time on the field and exposure,” said Rajeshwari Gayakwad.

There has been a visible gap between the pay-checks of International players and domestic players. This initiative by the BCCI finance committee is a step towards lowering the disparity.

However, the scenario of women’s cricket has changed over the time. International player, Rajeshwari Gayakwad talked to SheThePeople.TV a while back and said, “When I started playing I always wanted to play for the country but I never knew that the women’s team does not get much support. But when I debuted in 2014 I realized that the facilities are much better than what our seniors told us about, and BCCI has really helped in encouraging and promoting the game."

She added that she is hopeful of a women’s IPL.  It will be great for the team and those who aspire to be cricketers. “It will also do good for domestic players. They can have more time on the field and exposure,” said Rajeshwari.

Picture credit- NDTV

Also read: Dean Jones Roots For Equal Pay For Men & Women Cricketers In India