In a landmark move aimed at uplifting the status of women’s cricket in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced a significant increase in domestic match fees and salaries for female cricketers.
The decision marks the first major reform introduced by the ad-hoc committee led by Tamim Iqbal, which only recently became operational. The overhaul comes after Tamim expressed surprise at the previously low earnings of women cricketers. According to reports, domestic players were earning as little as BDT 1,000 (approximately USD 8) per match in one-day competitions until a recent revision. The revelation prompted immediate action from the board.
Under the new structure, match fees have been increased substantially across formats. Women cricketers will now receive BDT 10,000 (around USD 80) for T20 matches, BDT 15,000 (USD 120) for 50-over games, and BDT 20,000 (USD 160) for first-class matches. In addition, the monthly salaries for the top 36 players in the domestic circuit have been raised from BDT 30,000 (USD 240) to BDT 40,000 (USD 320), offering greater financial stability to those in the system.
While acknowledging the progress, Tamim emphasized that the revisions are only a starting point. “This may not be ideal, but it is certainly an improvement, considering there are limits to how much can be increased at once,” he said, indicating that further enhancements could follow in the future.
The pay hike is expected to have a positive impact on the overall development of women’s cricket in Bangladesh, where financial constraints have long been a barrier to growth. Increased earnings not only provide players with better incentives but also encourage young athletes to consider cricket as a viable professional career.
In addition to the revised pay structure, the BCB has also introduced improved compensation for participants in the upcoming inaugural BCB Women’s Cup T20 tournament. All players involved in the competition will receive a match fee of BDT 25,000 for the entire tournament, along with a daily allowance throughout the event. This initiative is seen as another step toward professionalizing the women’s domestic circuit and ensuring players are adequately supported during competitions.
The broader reforms also include salary increments for male domestic cricketers, reflecting a wider effort by the board to address long-standing concerns about inadequate pay across the system. However, the spotlight remains firmly on the women’s game, where the disparity had been particularly stark. Tamim highlighted the importance of fair compensation in sustaining the sport’s ecosystem.
“I think the players were highly underpaid in the previous salary structure. These players work hard, and cricket exists because of their efforts. At the very least, they deserve fair compensation,” he stated.
The revised salary structure will come into effect from January 1, 2026. As the new committee continues its work, including efforts to resolve scheduling issues in domestic competitions, this move is being widely viewed as a crucial step toward elevating women’s cricket in Bangladesh and aligning it more closely with global standards.
(Inputs sourced from ESPN Cricinfo)
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