Cricket in India just took a giant leap toward gender equity—and it’s about time.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially approved a **massive pay hike** for India’s women domestic cricketers, more than doubling match fees across senior and junior categories. Senior players will now earn **up to ₹50,000 per day**—a move that sends a powerful message about the value the board places on its female athletes.
This historic decision comes hot on the heels of India’s emotional and long-awaited victory in the **Women’s ODI World Cup 2025**, a win that captured the nation’s heart and spotlighted the urgent need for better support structures in the women’s game. The **BCCI women domestic pay hike** isn’t just a raise; it’s a reset button for the entire ecosystem.
Table of Contents
- Why This BCCI Women Domestic Pay Hike Matters
- New Pay Structure for Women Domestic Cricketers
- The World Cup Catalyst
- How This Compares Globally
- What Comes Next for Women’s Cricket in India?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Why This BCCI Women Domestic Pay Hike Matters
For years, India’s women cricketers have played with passion, resilience, and world-class skill—often without the financial security their male counterparts enjoy. Many balanced part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and grueling travel schedules just to pursue their dream.
This pay revision isn’t just symbolic. It’s practical. By nearly tripling daily match fees, the BCCI is acknowledging that **professionalism requires professional compensation**. Players can now train full-time, recover properly, and plan long-term careers without financial anxiety.
As one former domestic player put it: “This means girls in tier-2 and tier-3 cities will now see cricket as a viable career—not just a hobby.”
New Pay Structure for Women Domestic Cricketers
The BCCI’s announcement includes revised match fees for both senior and age-group competitions. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
| Category | Previous Match Fee | New Match Fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Women (Multi-day) | ₹15,000 per match | ₹50,000 per day | Over 230% |
| Senior Women (List A / 50-over) | ₹10,000 per match | ₹30,000 per match | 200% |
| U-23 / U-19 Women | ₹5,000–7,000 | ₹15,000–20,000 | ~200% |
Notably, the change to a **per-day structure** for multi-day games aligns women’s cricket more closely with the men’s domestic system—a critical step toward structural parity .
The World Cup Catalyst
There’s no denying it: India’s **2025 Women’s ODI World Cup** win was the turning point. After decades of near-misses, the team—led by stars like Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues—finally lifted the trophy in front of a global audience.
The victory sparked a nationwide celebration and ignited fierce conversations about investment in women’s sports. Public pressure, combined with smart advocacy from current and former players, created the perfect storm for institutional change.
The BCCI, under president Roger Binny and secretary Jay Shah, has been vocal about its commitment to women’s cricket. This pay hike is the most concrete proof yet that their words are turning into action .
How This Compares Globally
India now joins a growing list of nations prioritizing pay equity in cricket. Let’s put this in perspective:
- Australia: Cricket Australia introduced equal match fees for men and women in 2022—a global first .
- England: The ECB boosted women’s domestic salaries by 50% in 2024, with central contracts exceeding £40,000 annually.
- New Zealand: Offers NZD $35,000–50,000 in central contracts, plus match fees.
While India’s new fees may not yet match Australia’s full parity model, the **direction is clear**. The BCCI is investing in the foundation—domestic cricket—which is where future national stars are born.
For context, you can explore the ICC’s official stance on women’s cricket development on their Women’s Cricket Hub.
What Comes Next for Women’s Cricket in India?
This pay hike is just the beginning. The logical next steps include:
- Expanded domestic calendar: More matches mean more earning opportunities and better preparation.
- Better infrastructure: Dedicated training facilities, physios, and nutritionists for women’s teams.
- State-level support: Ensuring that all 36 state associations implement these changes uniformly.
- Pathway to the WPL: Strengthening the bridge between domestic cricket and the Women’s Premier League, which already offers life-changing contracts.
Imagine a 16-year-old in Ranchi or Guwahati now seeing a real future in cricket. That’s the ripple effect of this decision.
Conclusion
The **BCCI women domestic pay hike** is more than a policy update—it’s a cultural shift. It tells every young girl with a bat in her hand that her dream matters, her sweat is valued, and her future is secure. Coming right after a World Cup win, it feels like a promise kept: *We see you. We believe in you. And we’re investing in you.*
For a country that lives and breathes cricket, this is the kind of legacy that truly lasts. Stay tuned to [INTERNAL_LINK:womens-cricket-india] for ongoing coverage of this historic transformation.