The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a significant pay hike for women’s domestic cricketers, marking a major step in strengthening the domestic game and supporting players financially. The decision, taken during the Apex Council meeting on December 22, 2025, revises match fees across formats for both senior and junior players, making a career in women’s cricket more sustainable.
Under the new pay structure, senior women cricketers in the playing XI for one-day and multi-day domestic matches will now earn Rs 50,000 per day, up from Rs 20,000 previously. Reserve players for these formats will receive Rs 25,000 per day, compared to Rs 10,000 earlier. In T20 matches, players in the playing XI will earn Rs 25,000 per match, while reserve players will get Rs 12,500, a substantial increase over past rates.
The hike also benefits junior players in the Under-23 and Under-19 categories. Those in the playing XI will now earn Rs 25,000 per day, with reserves receiving Rs 12,500, compared to Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 earlier. This revision aims to encourage young talent to stay in the domestic circuit and develop their skills.
BCCI officials estimate that top women’s domestic players participating across formats in a full season could now earn between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 14 lakh, significantly improving financial security.
Match officials will also see higher pay under the revised structure. Umpires and referees will earn Rs 40,000 per day for league matches, with knockout matches paying Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per day, recognizing the importance of professional officiating in domestic cricket.
The decision follows India’s historic win in the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and reflects the BCCI’s commitment to developing women’s cricket at all levels. Officials say the pay hike is expected to increase participation, retain talent, and raise the overall competitiveness of domestic women’s cricket.
This is seen as a landmark step toward equity in Indian cricket, ensuring that women players are rewarded for their dedication and contribution to the game, while also creating a more professional and financially secure domestic cricket environment.
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