The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to undertake a significant review of the domestic pay structure for women cricketers during its Apex Council meeting scheduled for December 22, 2025. This move comes in the wake of the Indian women’s team’s historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup victory on home soil and aims to address persistent pay disparities between men and women in domestic cricket, despite parity already established at the international level.
India’s senior women, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and under coach Amol Muzumdar, clinched their maiden ICC title after defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final held at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. This landmark triumph, the first ICC title for India at the senior women’s level, has raised expectations for fairer financial recognition across the women’s domestic game.
At the meeting, which will be conducted virtually, the council will specifically focus on revising match fees for women cricketers across domestic tournaments. This revision is highly anticipated by players and commentators alike as a welcome step in acknowledging the growing stature and contribution of women’s cricket in India.
Another key agenda item is the revision of match fees for umpires and match referees, demonstrating the BCCI’s broader initiative to update remuneration across cricket officials.
Further agenda points include confirmation of minutes from the last Apex meet, updates on BCCI’s digital properties, and annual player retainership contracts. The meeting, starting at 7 pm IST, marks a critical juncture in policymaking for Indian cricket’s future, with an emphasis on inclusivity and equitable rewards.
Looking ahead, the momentum from the World Cup win will also feed into the 4th edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) set to take place from January 9 to February 5, 2026. With matches split between DY Patil Stadium and Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, the WPL has become a premier platform showcasing the country’s top women’s talent.
Mumbai Indians, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, have dominated the franchise circuit, securing titles in 2023 and 2025, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru, captained by Smriti Mandhana, clinched the 2024 championship, ending their title drought at the franchise level.
This upcoming pay structure revision can potentially create a more sustainable and motivating environment for domestic women cricketers, further strengthening India’s position as a powerhouse in women’s cricket globally. The December 22 meeting will be closely watched by players, fans, and stakeholders eager to see a more equitable future for Indian women’s cricket take shape.
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