BCCI to Review Domestic Pay Structure for Women Cricketers in December 22 Meet
The Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ) is expected to revisit the domestic pay structure for women’s cricketers at its upcoming Apex Council meeting on December 22, 2025. According to a recent report by Cricbuzz, the move comes amid growing calls to reward female domestic players more equitably, especially following the Indian women’s national team’s recent success.
Until now, the BCCI had equalized international match fees for men’s and women’s players - a landmark policy first introduced in 2022. Under that policy, women representing India receive the same match fees as their male counterparts: ₹15 lakh for Test matches, ₹6 lakh for ODIs, and ₹3 lakh for T20Is.
However, this equality in international match fees did not extend to the domestic circuit. In domestic tournaments - which are the backbone of India’s cricketing infrastructure and key to developing future national players - pay discrepancies have persisted. Now, after the women’s team captured global attention with strong performances, the BCCI appears poised to address this long-standing imbalance.
According to the Cricbuzz report, the December 22 meeting will specifically focus on revising match fees for women’s domestic competitions. The board’s agenda also includes other financial reviews, such as umpire and match referee fees, as well as central contract gradings for men’s players.
If approved, higher domestic match fees could significantly increase earnings for female cricketers competing in tournaments such as women’s one-dayers, Ranji-equivalent championships, and state-level leagues, potentially boosting motivation, financial viability, and professional career prospects in women’s cricket in India.
Domestic cricket is where raw talent first emerges. Fair compensation at this level can encourage more women to pursue cricket professionally, reduce financial barriers, and ensure that promising talent is not lost due to economic constraints. With the women’s national team earning global praise, domestic players also deserve equitable treatment.
This initiative would reflect a broader recognition that women’s cricket at all levels merits serious investment and respect. Beyond match fees, enhanced compensation can lead to better training opportunities, more consistent participation, and greater financial security - allowing players to focus on performance rather than financial survival.
A sustainable domestic pay structure with competitive fees is essential for India to maintain and build depth in women’s cricket. It ensures a steady pipeline of talent and robust support systems, contributing directly to national team success.
In October 2022, the BCCI’s international pay-parity policy for women was hailed as a landmark moment, as women and men began receiving equal match fees - a major step given the historical neglect of women cricketers in India.
However, pay parity has not yet fully translated into contract parity. Women still earn significantly lower annual retainers compared to their male counterparts, and domestic match fees remain modest.
The proposed December 22 review therefore appears to be the next logical step: extending fairness and equity beyond marquee internationals into the grassroots where careers truly begin.
If the BCCI acts decisively, this could mark a new era for women’s cricket in India one where talent at every level is respected and rewarded.
Until now, the BCCI had equalized international match fees for men’s and women’s players - a landmark policy first introduced in 2022. Under that policy, women representing India receive the same match fees as their male counterparts: ₹15 lakh for Test matches, ₹6 lakh for ODIs, and ₹3 lakh for T20Is.
However, this equality in international match fees did not extend to the domestic circuit. In domestic tournaments - which are the backbone of India’s cricketing infrastructure and key to developing future national players - pay discrepancies have persisted. Now, after the women’s team captured global attention with strong performances, the BCCI appears poised to address this long-standing imbalance.
According to the Cricbuzz report, the December 22 meeting will specifically focus on revising match fees for women’s domestic competitions. The board’s agenda also includes other financial reviews, such as umpire and match referee fees, as well as central contract gradings for men’s players.
If approved, higher domestic match fees could significantly increase earnings for female cricketers competing in tournaments such as women’s one-dayers, Ranji-equivalent championships, and state-level leagues, potentially boosting motivation, financial viability, and professional career prospects in women’s cricket in India.
Domestic cricket is where raw talent first emerges. Fair compensation at this level can encourage more women to pursue cricket professionally, reduce financial barriers, and ensure that promising talent is not lost due to economic constraints. With the women’s national team earning global praise, domestic players also deserve equitable treatment.
This initiative would reflect a broader recognition that women’s cricket at all levels merits serious investment and respect. Beyond match fees, enhanced compensation can lead to better training opportunities, more consistent participation, and greater financial security - allowing players to focus on performance rather than financial survival.
A sustainable domestic pay structure with competitive fees is essential for India to maintain and build depth in women’s cricket. It ensures a steady pipeline of talent and robust support systems, contributing directly to national team success.
In October 2022, the BCCI’s international pay-parity policy for women was hailed as a landmark moment, as women and men began receiving equal match fees - a major step given the historical neglect of women cricketers in India.
However, pay parity has not yet fully translated into contract parity. Women still earn significantly lower annual retainers compared to their male counterparts, and domestic match fees remain modest.
The proposed December 22 review therefore appears to be the next logical step: extending fairness and equity beyond marquee internationals into the grassroots where careers truly begin.
What Happens Next?
- Will BCCI announce new pay-scales for women’s domestic matches and how much will they increase?
- Will these increases be matched with improved infrastructure, training, and support for domestic women’s leagues?
- Will this lead to greater participation, higher retention of female cricketers, and stronger competition domestically?
If the BCCI acts decisively, this could mark a new era for women’s cricket in India one where talent at every level is respected and rewarded.
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