Indian women’s cricketer, Smriti Mandhana, has emerged as the highest-paid female cricketer in the world, earning a whopping sum of INR 3.4 crore for her participation in the upcoming Women’s T20 League. The amount she is earning is more than what many male cricketers, including Pakistan’s Babar Azam, earn in their respective cricket leagues.
Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team and one of the best batsmen in the world, earns a salary of INR 1.34 crore in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The difference in salaries between Mandhana and Azam has sparked a debate on gender pay disparity in cricket and the need for equal pay for female cricketers.
Mandhana’s high earnings can be attributed to the fact that she will be playing in the Women’s Indian Premier League, which is the women’s version of the Indian T20 League. The Indian T20 League is the most lucrative cricket league in the world, and the WTL is seen as a step towards the growth and development of women’s cricket in India.
The fact that Mandhana is earning more than Babar Azam highlights the progress that women’s cricket has made in recent years. Female cricketers have long been fighting for recognition and equal pay, and the fact that Mandhana is being paid such a high amount is a testament to the strides that have been made in the sport.
The gender pay disparity in cricket has been a long-standing issue. Female cricketers often earn significantly less than their male counterparts, even if they are equally talented and successful. This has led to a growing demand for equal pay and recognition for female cricketers.
The difference in salaries between Mandhana and Azam is also a reflection of the disparity in the popularity and visibility of men’s and women’s cricket. Women’s cricket has only recently gained mainstream recognition and has yet to establish itself as a major commercial entity. The WTL, however, is a step in the right direction towards promoting women’s cricket and providing female cricketers with more opportunities and rewards.
It also showcases the might of Indian cricket when it comes to forming a successful domestic T20 league in the world.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Babar Azam and Smriti Mandhana’s comparisons:
For those who is talking about quality pic.twitter.com/f6zbKPLPyu
— Ugmaram ?? (@Ugma_ram_) February 14, 2023
But Quality is quality yaar ?? pic.twitter.com/nJ9vmyNSPd
— DewAzam (@mewari_ravi) February 14, 2023
Babar trying to enter WIPL ? pic.twitter.com/O0sSVkt03l
— Bhupender Thakur (@MisterBeeTee) February 14, 2023
Sheru ? azam ko itne bhi mil j bhi zada hai auction mai hota toh unsold jata ? 100%
— Kunal Saini (@Joyful_Kunal24) February 14, 2023
There were however many Tweets that called for monetary comparisons between the two to stop and focus on the betterment of cricket.
There is a difference between auction and draft
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) February 14, 2023
Agar paisa sub Kuch HOTA to semi final main wo Haal nhi Hota mental logo Kuch parh likh kr tweet kiya karon
— only PCT ????? (@HaniKha73930485) February 14, 2023
Oh so if now cricket is just about money so that's true that your billions dollars team india lost semi by 10 wickets and our Pakistan team played final?
— Syed Ali Hassan (@roz_roz_dn_chng) February 14, 2023
Unlimited money didn't even give u one cricketer of the year
@babarazam258 You Nailed the show ???@Babar
— Dr.M.Tahir (@dr_tahiryousuf) February 14, 2023
There is no need of comparison both are good leagues for their respective countries don't create rift between fans
— Himanshu?? (@proudindian7197) February 14, 2023
