The Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) today announced equal match-fees for international women cricketers with the same for for their male counterparts. The decision to this effect was taken at the 15th BCCI Apex Council meeting, which was held via video conference.

As a result of this decision, women cricketers will be paid Rs 15 lakh, Rs 6 lakh and Rs 3 lakh for Test, ODI and T20Is, respectively. The revision is at least a three-fold hike, with the match-fees for Test matches having been hiked six-times than the existing Rs 2.5 lakh per Test. For both ODIs and T20I women players were getting Rs 1 lakh per match till date.

BCCI President, Roger Binny described it as a marquee decision on pay equity for women cricketers. “Our women players will be paid the same match fees as men in international cricket. This decision sets the platform to grow and develop cricket. I believe this is a significant step forward for women’s cricket and the game overall.”

BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, said: “Pay equity is an important step towards tackling discrimination. This is a landmark decision as we enter a new era in India Cricket. I would like to thank my colleagues in the BCCI Apex Council.”

Now it remains to be seen if the BCCI revises the annual retainer for women cricketers as well. At present, the retainer for top women cricketers in India is seven per cent of the same for top men cricketers. Besides, the domestic match-fees structure for women`s cricketers is also in need for a relook to create a feeder system.