Staying true to their words, Cricket Australia has decided to raise the prize money for Australia Women if they win the T20 World Cup. The board will ensure parity in prize money between both the Men’s and Women’s cricket teams of the country.
International Cricket Council (ICC) rewards the winners of the Men’s T20 World Cup a prize money of USD 1.6 million. On 14th October, ICC announced that it will increase the prize money for the Women’s winners of the tournament a staggering 320% as a result of which, winners of the Women’s T20 World Cup will take home USD 1 million.
After ICC’s decision, Cricket Australia announced that it will give an additional USD 600000 to the Women’s winning team if Australia Women win the title. The Southern Stars have been doing pretty well playing throughout the world and dominating teams at their own backyard and breaking records. Recently they won 18 ODIs in a row, making a new world record. Incentives like such motivate the players to perform better. Parity in prize money across women and men’s games will also encourage female cricketers to pursue the game professionally.
CEO of Cricket Australia, Mr. Kevin Roberts said to cricbuzz.com, “We want to continue our commitment to equality by ensuring that any prize money earned by the Australian Women’s team in the T20 WC is the same as what is on offer in the men’s side of the tournament. This will include matching the prize money for the final, semi-finals, or group stage.”
“I am proud to say that cricket is the most lucrative team sport for women in Australia, with nationally contracted players receiving an average wage of more than $180,000 a year including domestic duties, while WBBL and state only contracted players earn an average of more than $55,000”, he added.
Cricket Australia has been investing in women’s cricket for a long time and the results are for everyone to see. Better domestic competitions, a T20 league for women has improved the quality of cricket played by the Southern Stars. At the same time, the promotion of women’s cricket has helped pull huge crowds and generate revenues as well.
Loves all things female cricket
