India commit to equal match fees for men's and women's national sides

Players will receive 15 lakh (£15,700) for Test matches, six lakh (£6,300) for ODIs and three lakh (£3,150) for T20Is

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has committed to paying equal match fees to its men's and women's national sides.

BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, announced the move on Twitter, stating: "We are implementing pay equity policy for our contracted BCCI women cricketers.

"The match fee for both men and women cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian cricket. The BCCI women cricketers will be paid the same match fee as their male counterparts."

Players representing India Women can now expect to receive 15 lakh (£15,700) for Test matches, six lakh (£6,300) for ODIs and three lakh (£3,150) for T20Is.

^{India Women can now expect match fees equal to their male counterparts [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]}

However, no changes have been announced for the central contract structure.

Players in the highest women's bracket are currently paid 50 lakh (£52,000) while those on the lowest annual retainer receive 10 lakh (£10,500). Grade C men's players receive one crore (£105,000) while the highest paid (Grade A+) take home over £730,000.

BCCI president, Roger Binny, said: "This decision sets the platform to grow and develop cricket. I believe this is a significant step forward for women’s cricket and the game overall." 

Joint secretary, Devajit Saikia, added: "The Indian women's cricket team has continuously made the country proud with their superb performances across the globe and pay equity is a significant move to appreciate the hard yards the team has been putting in to yield magnificent results.

"I am delighted that the BCCI Council has taken this historic decision as women's cricket in India continues to rise. This landmark decision will certainly help in removing gender disparity and encourage more girls to take cricket as a profession."