The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appears keen to usher in more welcome reforms in the women’s game. Current reports claim India’s cricket governing body plans a major revision to the wage structure for women cricketers at domestic level on December 22, 2025.
These changes will improve the present match fee structure and give India’s women cricketers at domestic level better remuneration for their sporting talent.
Where Will Discussions Take Place to Review Wages for Women Cricketers?
The 31st Apex Council Meeting will equip stakeholders with a platform to discuss reviews to current wage structure for women cricketers. Attendance is set to take a virtual format and decisions made at this meeting could change how women receive wages in sport for years to come.
Why are Discussions on the Women’s Wage Structure Happening Now?
The BCCI already announced sweeping changes to wage structures for women and men cricketers via a Pay Equity Policy. However, some disparities still exist that create a gulf between the centrally-contracted players at international level and domestic-level cricketers.
The new changes aim to provide fairer pay structures to domestic cricketers and support players at that level with better financial rewards for their work.
New Apex Council Set to Transform Women’s Cricket Step by Step
The 31st Apex Council will hold its first meeting virtually to mark their collaboration under new office bearers. Several members of the council are holding positions within this body for the first time. The body’s new executives aim to inject fresh motivation into India’s women domestic cricket scene, and their approach shows seriousness in delivering stated goals.
Why is the Upcoming Pay Structure Review Gaining So Much Attention?
Conversations into improving the pay structure for sportswomen isn’t strange; however, the decision to boost wages for Indian women cricketers comes at the perfect time. Team India Women recently clinched the country’s first-ever Women’s ODI (WODI) World Cup title after seeing off tough opposition, including multi-time world champions Australia Women.
The continued success of Women’s Premier League (WPL) seasons in India and other remarkable strides in female cricket triggered heated conversation on better pay for the ladies.
When Did the Last Pay Structure Review Happen?
Remuneration for women cricketers last received attention in 2021. The current structure sees a senior female cricketer receive ₹20,000 for a domestic, 1-day match. Previous pay packages before the 2021 review stood at ₹12,500 per match for senior women cricketers.
Current economic realities make ₹20,000 per match insufficient for professional cricketers in India’s domestic circuit.
Will the Review Affect Players at Lower Tiers (U19, U23, Reserves)?
Players at the lower tier of women’s domestic cricket earn way less than senior cricketers. Women’s cricketers at U23, U19, and U15 level currently receive ₹10,000 per appearance. Reserve players receive ₹5,000 at this level under current pay structures.
Full-time professional cricketers in the women’s game welcome upward reviews to the current wage structure. Higher match fees will boost several aspects of women’s cricket in India and could translate to better performance across levels.
When Did the BCCI Implement Pay Equity to Align with International Standards?
The BCCI decided to implement pay equity for all international matches across formats. Male and female cricketers now receive the same fees per game at international level. The current pay structure guarantees senior cricketers in both gender levels:
- ₹15 lakh for a Test,
- ₹6 lakh for an ODI, and
- ₹3 lakh for a T20I
Disparities in the wage structure at the women’s level is next for review and could see women’s cricketers earn a decent wage like their male counterparts.
How Did the WPL Influence Calls for Better Pay Among Women Cricketers?
The WPL has been a resounding success since its inaugural season, and the commercial viability of this league has been a positive point to note towards boosting pay for women cricketers.
Some WPL franchises paid up to ₹1 crore to sign marquee talent in the women’s game while other players at auction received bumper pay for their talent.
Apex Council Meeting Also Set to Consider Other Aspects of Contracts for Women Cricketers
Reports suggest that the December 22 Apex Council Meeting will also deliberate on another important item related to women’s wages. The body is set to revise annual player retainer contracts for female cricketers.
Current highest contracts available to Grade A women cricketers are worth ₹50 lakh. The highest women cricket contract at international level is significantly poor compared to lowest central contracts in men’s cricket (₹1 crore for Grade C Men’s central contract).
