New Zealand Cricket to pay equal match fees to Men and Women Cricketers

New Zealand Cricket has decided to pay equal match fees to its men and women cricketers, which is a significant move in the sport. The same regulation will be enforced in top-tier domestic matches under a new agreement signed on July 5. (Tuesday). The New Zealand women's team and domestic women's players would get the same match fees as the men's team across all formats and events, including ODIs, T20Is, Ford Trophy, and Super Smash level, under a five-year historic agreement.

In addition, the new agreement also increases the number of contracts offered to New Zealand women cricketers in the country. This will also boost the number of competitive matches available to emerging players. For the first time, men's and women's professional games have been merged under a single master agreement.

The deal, according to New Zealand women's captain Sophie Devine, is a game-changer for women's cricket. "It’s great for the international and domestic women players to be recognized in the same agreement, alongside the men. It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls," she said according to the news.co.nz.

Kane Williamson, the men's captain of New Zealand, was also pleased with the news and stated that it is an exciting time for the sport. "It’s really important for the current players to build on the legacy of those who have gone before us, and to support tomorrow’s players, both men, and women, at all levels. This agreement goes a long way towards achieving that," said Williamson.

The highest-ranked New Zealand women's player will be entitled to earn up to NZ$163,246 per year (an increase from $83,432), the ninth-ranked NZ$148,946 ($66,266), and the 17th-ranked NZ$142,346 ($62,833).

The top-ranked domestic women's players in each major league will get a maximum of $19,146 (up from $3,423), the sixth-ranked $18,646 ($3,423), and the 12th-ranked $18,146 ($3,423). In addition, the number of women's domestic contracts has increased from 54 to 72, and a North vs. South series has been introduced.