BCCI Boosts Women Cricketers' Pay, Promoting Gender Equity in Sports
BCCI significantly raises domestic match fees for women cricketers, a major step towards gender pay parity.
Photo by Zoshua Colah
Quick Revision
Senior women cricketers to get ₹40,000 per match
U-19/U-23 women cricketers to get ₹20,000 per match
Previous fees for senior women were ₹12,500-₹20,000
Previous fees for U-19/U-23 women were ₹3,500-₹10,000
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
BCCI's Boost to Women Cricketers' Domestic Pay (Dec 2025)
This dashboard highlights the significant increase in match fees for domestic women cricketers, reflecting BCCI's commitment to gender equity and professionalization of women's sports in India.
- New Match Fee (Senior Women)
- ₹40,000+100%
- Previous Match Fee (Senior Women)
- ₹12,500 - ₹20,000
- New Match Fee (U-19 & U-23 Women)
- ₹20,000+100%
- Previous Match Fee (U-19 & U-23 Women)
- ₹3,500 - ₹10,000
Significant increase from previous high of ₹20,000, aiming for parity with men's domestic fees.
The range before the current hike, showing the scale of the increase.
Substantial rise from previous high of ₹10,000, fostering grassroots talent.
The previous fee structure for junior categories.
Exam Angles
Gender equality and women empowerment in sports (Social Issues - GS-I)
Constitutional provisions related to equality and equal pay (Polity - GS-II)
Role of autonomous sports bodies and government intervention (Governance - GS-II)
Economic implications of professionalization in sports (Economy - GS-III)
Government schemes and policies promoting sports and women (Social Justice - GS-II)
View Detailed Summary
Summary
In a landmark move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has substantially increased the match fees for domestic women cricketers. Senior women players will now earn ₹40,000 per match, a significant jump from the previous ₹12,500-₹20,000. Similarly, U-19 and U-23 players will receive ₹20,000 per match, up from ₹3,500-₹10,000.
This decision, effective immediately, aims to bring greater parity with men's domestic cricket fees and is a crucial step towards professionalizing women's cricket in India. It reflects a growing recognition of women's contribution to the sport and aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equality in sports.
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the recent decision by the BCCI regarding women cricketers' pay, consider the following statements: 1. Senior domestic women cricketers will now receive ₹40,000 per match, a significant increase from their previous fees. 2. The match fees for U-19 and U-23 women cricketers have been raised to ₹20,000 per match. 3. This decision aligns with the Directive Principle of State Policy enshrined in Article 39(d) of the Indian Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: Senior women players will now earn ₹40,000 per match. Statement 2 is correct: U-19 and U-23 players will receive ₹20,000 per match. Statement 3 is correct: Article 39(d) of the Indian Constitution states that the State shall direct its policy towards securing 'equal pay for equal work for both men and women'. The BCCI's move towards parity in pay aligns with this principle.
2. In the context of promoting gender equity in sports in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), being an autonomous private body, is not subject to the Fundamental Rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution. 2. The principle of 'equal pay for equal work' is a Fundamental Right enforceable by courts in India. 3. The National Sports Policy of India explicitly mandates gender parity in prize money and match fees across all national sports federations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.3 only
- D.None of the above
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is incorrect: While BCCI is an autonomous private body, its functions are often considered 'public functions' and it operates under a public gaze, making it subject to certain constitutional principles and judicial review, especially in matters of public interest or discrimination. Courts have, at times, applied principles of public law to such bodies. Statement 2 is incorrect: 'Equal pay for equal work' is a Directive Principle of State Policy (Article 39(d)), not a Fundamental Right, though courts have used it to interpret and enforce other Fundamental Rights. Statement 3 is incorrect: While the National Sports Policy promotes gender equity and encourages fair treatment, it does not explicitly 'mandate' specific gender parity in prize money and match fees across *all* national sports federations as a strict legal requirement, but rather sets a guiding framework.
3. Which of the following government initiatives or policies is NOT primarily aimed at promoting women's participation and empowerment in sports or related fields in India?
- A.Khelo India Scheme
- B.Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan
- C.National Sports Policy
- D.Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Show Answer
Answer: D
A) Khelo India Scheme: Aims to revive the sports culture at the grassroots level and build a strong framework for all sports played in the country, including significant focus on women's participation. B) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan: While primarily focused on saving the girl child and educating her, it broadly contributes to women's empowerment, which includes enabling their participation in all spheres, including sports. C) National Sports Policy: Aims for holistic development of sports, including promoting gender equity and women's participation. D) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): This scheme is primarily focused on skill development and vocational training for Indian youth to enhance employability, not specifically or primarily for sports promotion or women's empowerment in sports.