Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Equal pay in cricket: New Zealand announce same pay for women | New Zealand has introduced the same pay for men’s and women’s cricketers

In a landmark moment for women’s sport, New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) and the six major associations have come to an agreement for the country’s professional men and women cricketers to obtain the same match fees across all formats and competitions.

Gender pay expert Yolanda Beattie mediated the negotiations between the concerned organisations to bring about this pay equity framework. In total, the Kiwi cricketers will receive around 29.5 per cent (approx. $104 million) of NZC’s revenue forecast in the coming five years (approx. $349 million).

Accordingly, the top-ranked, ninth-ranked and 17^th-ranked female cricketers from the country will be receiving $163,246, $148,946 and $142,346 annually respectively. These amounts are up from the previous figures of $83,432, $66,266 and $62,833 respectively.

Similarly, the top-ranked, 10^th-ranked and 20^th-ranked men’s cricketers will be getting a maximum sum of $523,396, $444,196 and $367,196 each per year. Their revenues will thus shoot up from the previous figures of $459,574, $377,981 and $305,453 respectively.

The total remuneration for cricketers across both genders comprises of retainers, match fees, trust IP payments, insurance and retirement fund contributions. The players will continue to hold their rights of participating in the overseas T20 leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Equal pay in cricket: NZC announces huge news

The number of women’s domestic contracts in New Zealand have increased to 72 from the previous count of 54 due to this agreement. All these pacts will be restricted obligations so that the players can carry on with their other full-time or academic-related commitments.

The new contract will pave the way for greater equity between the male and the female cricketers in terms of travel, accommodation along with the associated playing and the overall playing and training environment. The already existing provisions for pregnancy and childcare will continue in these brand new agreements as well.

“I want to thank and congratulate the players and the Major Associations for their part in reaching such a significant agreement,” NZC chief executive David White was quoted in an official report by the cricket association.

White added, “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. It’s been a collaborative yet very robust negotiation. Importantly, it represents a significant step forward as we continue to grow our investment in women’s cricket.”

It’s great for women to be recognised alongside the men – Sophie Devine

“It’s great for the international and domestic women players to be recognised in the same agreement, alongside the men. It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls,” Kiwi women’s national team captain Sophie Devine told the aforementioned website.

“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. This agreement goes a long way towards achieving that,” men’s team skipper Kane Williamson further opened up on this latest development.   

Following are the details of match fees for all Kiwi cricketers from 1^st August, 2022 onwards -: