In a historic five-year agreement negotiated by NZC, the six major associations, and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, female cricketers in New Zealand will get the same match fees as men. The players’ wage structure will significantly improve as a result of the new agreement.
Limited-overs international matches for men and women have match fees of NZ$4000 for ODIs and NZ$2500 for T20Is. A player would receive $575 for playing domestic limited-overs games. A player in the men’s game would make NZ$10,250 for a Test match and NZ$1750 for a Plunket Shield match.
The highest-ranked New Zealand women’s player will now make NZ$163,246 per year (up from $83,432), followed by the ninth-ranked woman at NZ$148,946 ($66,266) and the 17th-ranked woman at NZ$142,346 ($62,833). The top-ranked women’s domestic players in each Major Association would be entitled to collect a maximum of $19,146 (up from $3,423), followed by the sixth- and twelveth-ranked players at $18,646 ($3,423) and $18,146 ($3,423) in domestic cricket.
“It’s great for the international and domestic women players to be recognised in the same agreement, alongside the men. It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls,” New Zealand captain Sophie Devine said on Tuesday (July 5).
The highest-ranked international player in the men’s game will be paid a maximum of NZ$523,396 (formerly $459,574), the tenth-ranked player NZ$444,196 (previously $377,981), and the 20th-ranked player NZ$367,196 (previously $305,453). The salary range for domestic cricket players is between NZ$75,207 and NZ$102,707.
“I want to thank and congratulate the players and the Major Associations for their part in reaching such a significant agreement,” David White, the NZC chief executive, said. “This is the most important agreement in our sport, as it binds NZC, the Major Associations, and our players at the hip, and sets the foundation to fund, grow and develop cricket. It’s been a collaborative yet very robust negotiation. Importantly, it represents a significant step forward as we continue to grow our investment in women’s cricket.”
