New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has reached a landmark agreement as per which both the men and women cricketers at both international and domestic levels will be paid equally for their services. 

The board signed a five-year deal with the players’ association and six state associations, which will start on August 1. They also became the first cricketing association to bridge the gender pay gap.

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“This is the most important agreement in our sport, as it binds NZC, the major associations, and our players at the hip, and sets the foundation to fund, grow and develop cricket,” said NZC Chief Executive David White.

But this was not only about equal pay. The board has also promised equity in the wider ecosystem of the women’s game, from travel arrangements to better training facilities. The number of women cricketers contracted to the NZC will increase from 54 to 72.

“It’s great for the international and domestic women players to be recognised in the same agreement, alongside the men,” said White Ferns captain Sophie Devine. “It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls.”

The women cricketers will now receive NZ$10,250 for Tests, NZ$4000 for ODIs, and NZ$2500 for T20Is. With the new deal in place, the income of the highest-ranked women’s players will get doubled. The likes of Sophie Devine and Amy Satterthwaite will be able to make NZ$163,246 a year, a steep rise from the $83,432 they earned last year. 

Kane Williamson, the men’s captain, supported this move. He said, “It’s really important for the current players to build on the legacy of those who have gone before us, and to support tomorrow’s players, both men and women, at all levels.”

Meanwhile, in India, the highest-ranked women’s cricketer earns less than men’s cricketer in the lowest bracket of the retainer’s contract. A male cricketer in the upper echelons of the graded contract earns Rs 7 crore per year, while the women in the same category make just Rs 50 Lakh.

Featured Image Source: New Zealand Cricket