NEW DELHI, Dec 23: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approved a significant increase in match fees for women’s domestic cricket, junior players, and domestic match officials, following an online meeting of its Apex Council on Monday.
Senior women cricketers in the playing XI will now earn ₹50,000 per match in the one-day (50-over) and multi-day formats, while reserve players will receive ₹25,000. For senior women’s T20 matches, the playing XI will get ₹25,000, with reserves earning ₹12,500. Previously, players in the XI were paid ₹20,000, and reserves received ₹10,000.
The Apex Council also approved higher match fees for junior women cricketers. Junior playing XI members will now earn ₹12,500 per T20 match, and reserve players will receive ₹6,250.
In addition, domestic match officials, including umpires and referees, will see a substantial increase in remuneration. Officials will now earn a uniform ₹40,000 per day for league stage matches, with fees rising to ₹50,000–₹60,000 per day during knockout stages, depending on the importance of the match.
Under the tenure of BCCI secretary Jay Shah (2019–2024), the board has focused on pay equity and expanding professional leagues to boost the visibility of women’s cricket. These initiatives have empowered Indian women cricketers and inspired millions of young girls to take up the sport.
The latest fee hike follows India’s victory in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, where they defeated South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai, and comes amid the growing popularity of the Women’s Premier League (WPL). The timing reflects a conscious effort to ensure that the growth of the women’s game at the top level translates into tangible benefits at the domestic level.