In a year of historic triumph for Indian women's cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has delivered another monumental decision aimed at empowering players at the domestic level. Fresh off their maiden Women's ODI World Cup victory on home soil in November 2025, India's women cricketers have received more good news: a massive, more than 100% increase in their domestic match fees.
A Landmark Pay Revision for Domestic Stars
The BCCI has approved a sweeping revision of the pay structure for women cricketers competing in domestic tournaments. This move effectively more than doubles the daily earnings for the vast pool of talent that forms the backbone of Indian women's cricket. The decision is seen as a critical step in building a stronger, more sustainable ecosystem for the sport following the senior team's global success.
The new pay scale represents a seismic shift. Previously, players in the playing XI for senior women's tournaments earned Rs 20,000 per day, with reserves receiving Rs 10,000. For junior tournaments, the rates were Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 per day, respectively.
Breaking Down the New Pay Structure
Under the revised system, which the BCCI will implement soon, the financial rewards for domestic cricketers have been substantially enhanced:
For Senior Women's Tournaments:
- Players in the Playing XI: Rs 50,000 per day (up from Rs 20,000).
- Reserve Players: Rs 25,000 per day (up from Rs 10,000).
- For T20 matches: Playing XI members get Rs 25,000, and reserves get Rs 12,500 per match.
For Junior Women's Tournaments:
- Players in the Playing XI: Rs 25,000 per day (up from Rs 10,000).
- Reserve Players: Rs 12,500 per day (up from Rs 5,000).
- For T20 matches: Playing XI members get Rs 12,500, and reserves get Rs 6,250 per match.
This revision means a senior women's cricketer, who previously earned an average of around Rs 2 lakhs for a season if her team only played the league stages, will now see that figure rise significantly, providing greater financial security and recognition for their dedication.
Continuing the Legacy of Pay Parity
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, in a statement, framed this decision as a direct extension of the board's ongoing commitment to gender equity in cricket. He credited the foundational work of former BCCI secretary and current ICC chairman, Jay Shah, who pioneered the policy of pay parity for India's international women cricketers.
"We have more than doubled the match fees of India's domestic women cricketers," Shukla stated. "We are only carrying forward the initiative of Jay Shah, who introduced pay parity for India's international cricketers." This move signals the BCCI's intent to apply the principle of fair remuneration across all levels of the women's game, not just at the elite international tier.
The pay hike arrives at a perfect moment, capitalizing on the massive surge in popularity and prestige following India's World Cup win. It is expected to motivate aspiring cricketers, reduce financial pressures on players, and further professionalize the women's domestic circuit, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for the national team for years to come.
