Historic Pay Hike for Women Domestic Cricketers in India

Introduction: A Milestone Year for Women’s Cricket

In a landmark year for women’s cricket in India, the national team secured its first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title in November 2025. This victory has been a sensational breakthrough, but that’s not all; there is exciting news coming from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Pay Raise for Women Cricketers

New Payment Structure

The BCCI has announced a significant pay increase for women domestic cricketers, more than doubling the per-day match fees for senior players. The fees will now rise from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 for those in the playing XI. This decision marks a pivotal moment in acknowledging the contributions of women cricketers in the sport.

Current and Revised Fees Overview

Currently, senior women cricketers receive the following fees:

• Playing XI: ₹20,000 per day
• Reserves: ₹10,000 per day

For junior tournaments, the fees are even lower:

• Playing XI: ₹10,000 per day
• Reserves: ₹5,000 per day

With the revised pay structure, players will earn:

• Senior Women’s Tournaments:

  • ₹50,000 for the playing XI
  • ₹25,000 for reserves

• T20 Matches:

  • ₹25,000 for the playing XI
  • ₹12,500 for reserves
• Junior Women’s Tournaments:
  • ₹25,000 for the playing XI
  • ₹12,500 for reserves

These changes are set to significantly bolster the financial stability of female cricketers.

Forward-Thinking BCCI Initiatives

Pay Parity in Cricket

Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice President, emphasized that this initiative continues the work started by former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. The goal is to establish pay parity for India’s international and domestic female cricketers, ensuring they receive compensation reflective of their contributions to the sport.

Review of Under-19 Team Performance

Concerns Post Asia Cup

While celebrating advancements in women’s cricket, the BCCI is also addressing concerns regarding the Under-19 team. Following a disappointing 191-run defeat to Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, the board plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the team’s performance.

Steps for Improvement

A brainstorming session will be held to strengthen India’s Under-19 cricket program. Input will be sought from team managers, coaches, and players to ensure better future performance, especially in preparation for the 2026 Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

With the recent pay increases and focused efforts on improving youth programs, the BCCI is paving the way for a more robust future for women in cricket. Such initiatives not only uplift the players, but they also signify a broader recognition of women’s contributions to the sport, laying the groundwork for continued success on the global stage.