In another positive news from New Zealand cricket, the board has announced that both women and men representing New Zealand will now get equal pay for equal amounts of work. This will be the first time that men’s and women’s pay in professional sports is combined within one master agreement.
The equal pay structure is focused on increasing the number of women’s international and domestic players. New Zealand cricket has already seen an increase in women’s professional cricketers from 54 to 72 and is expected to rise further with the introduction of equal pay.
This is the most important agreement in our sport: David White, NZC chief executive
Speaking about the same, the New Zealand cricket board’s chief executive said, “I want to thank and congratulate the players and the Major Associations for their part in reaching such a significant agreement.” He continued, “This is the most important agreement in our sport, as it binds NZC, the Major Associations, and our players at the hip, and sets the foundation to fund, grow and develop cricket.”
The New Zealand Women’s Team skipper Sophie Devine was ecstatic while talking to the news.co.nz and said, “It’s great for the international and domestic women players to be recognized in the same agreement, alongside the men. It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls.”
The New Zealand’s Men’s team captain Kane Williamson also expressed joy with the agreement and said, “It’s really important for the current players to build on the legacy of those who have gone before us, and to support tomorrow’s players, both men, and women, at all levels. This agreement goes a long way towards achieving that.”
With this new contract, New Zealand Women players would now be able to earn significantly higher salaries. For example, the top-ranked international player would now earn a maximum of $163,246 a year (up from $83, 432), and the ninth-ranked $148,946 (up from $66, 266) and 17th ranked $142, 346( up from $62, 833).
