England Women’s national team cricketers will now be paid the same match fees as their male counterparts, marking a significant advancement.
Notably, the increase in match payments will become effective with England’s first Twenty20 international match against Sri Lanka, which is set to start on Thursday, August 31.
It is noteworthy that during the seven Ashes matches, the women’s national team drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 110,000 spectators. According to a report, the multi-format Ashes series broke attendance records, including the sold-out ODI series, with a total increase in ticket sales of more than 200% since 2019.
throughout addition, discrimination appeared to be “widespread” throughout English and Welsh cricket, according to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) study. The ECB made the decision to advance and give an equivalent match price raise in response to the ICEC report and the spike in interest in the women’s games.
The apex body formerly compensated female cricket players 20.6% of what their male counterparts received in compensation. The captain of the England Women, Heather Knight, expressed her satisfaction with the ECB’s decision and said it will help the game expand.
“It’s crucial that we keep advancing women’s soccer, and it’s wonderful to see equal match fees for England Men and Women. According to Heather Knight, who was quoted by ESPN cricinfo, “the direction of travel for the women’s game has always been the most important thing, creating a sustainable product that people want to watch and play.”
“And as we continue to grow the game, I’m confident this will make cricket a sport that ladies and young women find more and more appealing. Additionally, I want to thank the PCA and the England Women’s Player Partnership for helping to represent the players and advance the professional game.
The ECB has also established goals for achieving pay equality for domestic workers by 2029 and for foreign workers by 2030. In the meantime, Heather Knight and company will begin their three T20Is and as many ODIs versus Sri Lanka multi-format series.