After lifting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024, Indian women cricketers returned home as national heroes—yet many still earn less in a year than their male counterparts make in a single domestic match. But change may finally be on the horizon. At its crucial December 22, 2025 Apex Council meeting, the BCCI is set to review the domestic pay for women cricketers—a move that could mark a turning point in the fight for financial equity in Indian cricket .
This long-overdue agenda item comes amid mounting pressure from fans, former players, and even international cricketing bodies. And while the spotlight is rightly on the women’s team, the same meeting will also decide the fate of two legends: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, whose central contract grades are under scrutiny as they approach the twilight of their international careers.
For years, India’s women cricketers have played with heart, skill, and relentless dedication—often while juggling day jobs, limited training facilities, and minimal financial security. Despite delivering historic wins, their domestic match fees have remained stagnant. Currently, a senior women’s player earns around ₹45,000 per first-class (multi-day) match, compared to ₹1.5 lakh for men—a gap of over 300% .
The upcoming BCCI domestic pay for women cricketers review isn’t just about numbers; it’s about recognition. It’s about telling young girls in villages and cities alike that their dreams are valued equally. And with cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the timing couldn’t be more critical.
Let’s break it down:
Even after the BCCI introduced annual retainers for women in 2023 (₹10–50 lakh based on grade), the match fee disparity remains stark. For context, Australia and England now pay their women cricketers 80–100% of men’s domestic rates . India lags far behind.
The 2024 T20 World Cup wasn’t just a trophy—it was a cultural moment. Millions watched Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma inspire a generation. Yet, many of those same players return to state teams where travel allowances are delayed and contracts offer no long-term security.
Former captain Mithali Raj has repeatedly called for structural reform. “Winning isn’t enough,” she said in a 2023 interview. “We need systems that support women beyond the spotlight.” The BCCI’s review is a chance to build that system—starting with fair match fees that reflect performance, not gender.
While women’s pay takes center stage, the men’s central contracts will also be finalized at the December 22 meeting. Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, currently in Grade A+, face potential downgrades based on recent availability and performance metrics.
Rohit, now 38, has limited his cricket to T20Is ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Virat, 37, has tapered his red-ball workload but remains active in white-ball cricket. The BCCI’s contract policy rewards consistent availability across formats—meaning both icons could be moved to Grade A, freeing up funds for younger stars like Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah.
Interestingly, any savings from potential downgrades could be redirected to boost women’s domestic pay—a symbolic and practical step toward balance.
Countries like New Zealand and South Africa have adopted “equal match fee” policies across genders. The ICC now mandates equal prize money for men’s and women’s World Cups—a policy India supported. Yet, domestic equity remains a national responsibility.
As highlighted by the ICC’s Gender Equity Report (2024), “investment in women’s domestic structures is the strongest predictor of international success.” India’s World Cup win proves the talent is there. Now, the infrastructure—and pay—must catch up.
For a deeper look at how other nations are closing the gap, see our analysis on global women’s cricket pay equity.
If the BCCI approves a pay hike, women’s domestic match fees could see a 100–200% increase—bringing them closer to ₹75,000–₹1 lakh per multi-day game. This would not only improve livelihoods but also professionalize the women’s domestic circuit, attracting better coaching, facilities, and competition.
The decision is expected by late December, with implementation likely from the 2026 domestic season. Advocacy groups like Cricket for Equality are campaigning for full parity by 2028.
The BCCI domestic pay for women cricketers review is more than a policy update—it’s a moral test. After carrying India to World Cup glory, these athletes deserve more than applause. They deserve fair pay, security, and respect. And as the BCCI weighs Virat and Rohit’s legacy contracts, it must remember: true greatness in sport isn’t just about trophies—it’s about lifting everyone up.
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