BCCI to Review Domestic Pay Structure for Women Cricketers at December 22 Apex Council Meeting

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to take up a major proposal to revise the pay structure for women cricketers during its 31st Apex Council meeting, scheduled to be held online on December 22 at 7:00 PM. The agenda reflects a growing push to bridge the longstanding pay disparities between men and women in Indian cricket.

Out of the six key issues listed for discussion, the revision of payments for women in domestic cricket stands at number two, underscoring its significance. Despite progress in recent years, domestic women cricketers continue to earn considerably less than their male counterparts, prompting calls for timely reforms.

The last revision in women’s domestic pay came in 2021, when senior women’s one-day match fees were raised from Rs 12,500 to Rs 20,000 per game. Players in the U23, U19, and U15 categories currently receive Rs 10,000 per match, and reserve players across all age groups earn 50 percent of the playing fee. With the resumption of the senior women’s zonal red-ball tournament, officials believe a structured and updated pay scale is urgently required.

Sources familiar with the developments told IANS that the move to revise domestic payments is not only welcome but necessary, especially at a time when women’s cricket has been gaining momentum in India. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led squad’s triumph at this year’s ODI World Cup has further strengthened the case for better compensation and upgraded central contracts.

The revision of women’s central contracts is also expected to be discussed, as “Annual Player Retainership Contracts” is listed as the fifth agenda item. At present, the highest central contract for women stands at Rs 50 lakh—significantly lower than the men’s Grade C contract, which begins at Rs 1 crore. The remaining two women’s contract slabs stand at Rs 30 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively.

Central contracts for the men’s team will also come under review. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Tests and T20Is, their classifications for the new contract cycle will be closely watched. Additionally, Shubman Gill’s elevation as Test captain, ODI captain, and T20I vice-captain is expected to influence his contract grade.

The Apex Council will also deliberate on revisions to the fees of umpires and match referees, and seek updates on the BCCI’s digital platforms. This meeting gains added importance as it will be the first since the election of the new office bearers—President Mithun Manhas, Treasurer Raghuram Bhat, Vice President Rajeev Shukla, Secretary Devajit Saikia, and Joint Secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia—who assumed office on September 28. Jaydev Shah, President of the Saurashtra Cricket Association, has also joined the Council as a representative of the general body.

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