BCCI Announces Significant Salary Increase for Women Cricketers in India’s Domestic Circuit
In a historic year for Indian women’s cricket, the team celebrated its first-ever World Cup victory by clinching the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup at home in November. Adding to this achievement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant pay increase for domestic women cricketers, more than doubling their match fees. Senior players will now earn Rs 50,000 per day, a substantial rise from the previous Rs 20,000, marking a pivotal moment for women’s cricket in India.
New Pay Structure for Domestic Women Cricketers
The BCCI’s decision to enhance the pay structure for women cricketers is a landmark move aimed at promoting the sport at the grassroots level. Under the new guidelines, senior women players in the playing XI will receive Rs 50,000 per day, while reserves will earn Rs 25,000. This is a significant increase from the current rates, where playing XI members earn Rs 20,000 and reserves receive Rs 10,000.
For junior women’s tournaments, the pay has also seen a notable rise. Players in the playing XI will now earn Rs 25,000 per day, while reserves will receive Rs 12,500. In T20 matches, the fees have been set at Rs 25,000 for playing XI members and Rs 12,500 for reserves. This revised pay structure reflects the BCCI’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for women cricketers and is seen as a continuation of the efforts initiated by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who advocated for pay parity among international cricketers.
Concerns Over Under-19 Team Performance
While celebrating the successes of the senior women’s team, the BCCI is also addressing concerns regarding the performance of the Under-19 team. Following a disappointing 191-run defeat to Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final held in Dubai, the board has decided to conduct a thorough review of the team’s performance. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla expressed the board’s concern over the heavy loss and emphasized the need for a brainstorming session to strengthen Under-19 cricket in India.
The review process will involve discussions with key figures, including team manager Salil Datar, head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar, and bowling coach Sunil Joashi. The BCCI aims to gather insights and feedback to improve the team’s performance ahead of the upcoming 2026 Under-19 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia starting January 15. The board is particularly focused on addressing issues related to player conduct during the final, which was marked by tensions.
Impact of Increased Pay on Women’s Cricket
The BCCI’s decision to increase pay for women cricketers is expected to have a positive impact on the sport’s growth in India. By offering competitive compensation, the board aims to attract more talent to women’s cricket and encourage young girls to pursue the sport. This initiative not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of female cricketers but also aims to inspire the next generation of players.
The substantial pay hike is anticipated to enhance the overall quality of women’s cricket in India. With better financial support, players can focus more on their training and performance, leading to improved results on the field. As the women’s game continues to gain popularity, the BCCI’s commitment to investing in its domestic structure will be crucial for the future of cricket in the country. The changes in pay structure and the review of the Under-19 team’s performance reflect the BCCI’s proactive approach to nurturing talent and ensuring that Indian cricket remains competitive on the global stage.
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