New Zealand’s male and female cricketers sign historic five-year equal-pay deal

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA) have signed a five-year deal that will see their male and female players receive equal pay. The agreement will see the New Zealand women’s players at both international and domestic levels receive the same match fees as their men’s counterparts across all formats and competitions.

The improved pay and conditions are part of an agreement that has been calculated on New Zealand women’s and men’s professional players getting 29.75% of all NZC forecast revenue over five years (US$349 million), expected to amount to US$104 million. As a result of this, the highest-ranked White Ferns can get a maximum of US$163,246 (up from US$83,432), the 9th-ranked player US$148,946 (up from US$66,266), and the 17th-ranked player US$142,346 (up from US$62,833). 

Speaking on the agreement, NZC Chief Executive David White said: 

“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. It’s been a collaborative yet very robust negotiation. Importantly, it represents a significant step forward as we continue to grow our investment in women’s cricket.“

White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine, talking to news.co.nz, 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 Kiwi men’s national cricket team skipper Kane Williamson too was upbeat with the news, adding: 

“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.“

According to the new agreement, the total number of women’s domestic contracts will increase from 54 to 72.