In a landmark decision that redefines the future of Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that men’s and women’s Indian international cricketers will now receive equal match fees across all formats. From now on, both men and women representing India will earn ₹15 lakh for a Test match, ₹6 lakh for a One Day International (ODI), and ₹3 lakh for a T20 International.
The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who described the move as a crucial step toward eliminating gender disparity in the sport. “The match fee for both men and women cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian cricket,” he stated.
Previously, women cricketers in India earned much lower match fees — approximately ₹1 lakh for a limited-overs international and ₹4 lakh for a Test match. This new structure brings them on par with their male counterparts for the first time in history, sending a powerful message of equality and respect.
While this pay parity covers match fees, annual contract retainers remain separate. Under the current structure, women’s Grade A contracts stand at ₹50 lakh per year, while men’s retainers vary from ₹1 crore to ₹7 crore depending on category. However, the introduction of pay parity for matches is widely seen as a foundational step toward broader financial equality.
The decision reflects the growing stature of women’s cricket in India, following recent milestones such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and improved performances on the global stage. It also aligns with the BCCI’s stated goal of empowering women athletes and building a sustainable professional ecosystem for the women’s game.
Players, fans, and sports advocates across the country have hailed the move as historic. Former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj described it as a “red-letter day for Indian cricket,” while current players and commentators called it “a victory for fairness and recognition.”
This landmark decision not only acknowledges the efforts and commitment of India’s women cricketers but also sets a global example for sporting federations worldwide. It underscores that talent, dedication, and performance — not gender — should determine a player’s worth on the field.
As Indian cricket moves forward, the BCCI’s pay-equity policy marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting narrative — one that paves the way for greater inclusivity, equality, and respect across all formats of the game.
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