No More Diversity As New Zealand Cricket Board Announced A Ground-Breaking Deal For Its Players
Kane Williamson and Sophie Devine (Image Source: Twitter)
The New Zealand Cricket Board has agreed on a ground-breaking deal for both men’s and women’s cricket as from now, they will be paid the same amount for representing New Zealand and playing in top-tier domestic matches. This five-year deal will see the White Ferns and domestic women’s players receive the same match fees as men across all formats and competitions including ODIs, T20Is, Ford Trophy, and Dream11 Super Smash level.
Apart from it, this deal will increase the number of contracts offered to women cricketers in New Zealand. It will also boost emerging players with more competitive matches. Speaking of it, New Zealand Women’s Team captain Sophie Devine said that it was a game-changer for women’s cricket.
“It’s a massive step forward” – Kane Williamson
The New Zealand Cricket Board released a statement where Sophie Devine said that it was great for international and domestic women. She said: “It’s great for the international and domestic women players to be recognized in the same agreement, alongside the men,”
On the other hand, New Zealand men’s captain, Kane Williamson considered it a massive step forward for young women and girls. “It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls. 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,” he added.
This deal will increase the total number of women’s domestic contracts from 54 to 72. Along with it, the number of domestic women’s annual contracts will also be increased from nine to 12 per team.
NZC chief executive David White said that it was the most important agreement in their sport. “I want to thank and congratulate the players and the Major Associations for their part in reaching such a significant agreement. 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,” he concluded.
