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Cricket Australia announced on Monday that top female cricketers in Australia could earn more than A$1 million ($666,600) annually with the inclusion of earnings from India’s Women’s Premier League and England’s The Hundred, on top of an increase in pay from a new five-year deal.
The deal offers a 66% funding increase for women and enables players with top-tier contracts who participate in the Women’s Big Bash League to earn up to A$800,000 per year.
“I am particularly pleased this (deal) represents another major step forward in the rise of women’s cricket,” CA chief executive Nick Hockley said in a news release.
“Cricket now clearly offers the best earning opportunities of any team sport for elite female sportspeople.”
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding, which includes a 66% funding increase for women. Under the new deal, top-tier women players who participate in the Women’s Big Bash League can earn up to A$800,000 annually.
Additionally, the minimum and average contracts for women have increased by 25%. The contract and retainer payments will also be guaranteed for players on parental leave, with additional payments to make up for lost match fees.
The number of central contracts for men has also increased from up to 20 to up to 24 annually, and the payment pool for Australia’s Big Bash League has been increased from A$2m to A$3m.
“We have recognised the need to ensure that the BBL remains highly competitive in a changing global cricket landscape and we’re confident this agreement will help maintain its place at the heart of the Australian summer,” Hockley added.
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