The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a significant milestone in sports equity, confirming that starting salaries for male and female professional domestic cricketers will be equalized beginning in 2025. This groundbreaking decision will apply at both ‘rookie’ level—marking the introduction of professional contracts into the women’s game—and ‘senior pro’ level for established players.
Additionally, the ECB has mandated that the eight first-class counties achieving tier-one status in the women’s revamped domestic structure must maintain a minimum squad size of 15 contracted players and invest at least £500,000 in player salaries for the year 2025. An annual salary cap of £800,000 for these counties has also been agreed upon.
This initiative to equalize starting salaries for male and female players is part of the ongoing efforts to restructure and enhance the women’s professional cricket landscape. Earlier this month, it was also announced that the men’s and women’s professional white-ball competitions would harmonize in the upcoming season under the Vitality Blast and Metro Bank One-Day Cup names. The inaugural Vitality Blast Women’s Finals Day is set to take place at the Kia Oval on July 27, while the Metro Bank One-Day Cup Women’s Final will be held at Utilita Bowl on September 21.
The ECB’s Professional Game Committee (PGC), which includes representatives from first-class counties as well as the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), has approved these critical salary adjustments.
Beth Barrett-Wild, director of the Women’s Professional Game, remarked: “The equalization of starting salaries across men’s and women’s professional domestic cricket represents another progressive step for women’s cricket in England and Wales. Our focus has been on creating a sustainable and appealing structure for women’s domestic cricket, ensuring that players receive fair compensation and that cricket offers a compelling career choice for women.”
Emma Reid, PCA director of player rights and women’s cricket, stated: “We are delighted to see equalized minimum salaries through our collaboration with ECB and the professional game. This marks a vital stride toward achieving parity, though further work remains. With women’s teams under the aegis of first-class counties, we will continue to advocate for equality across all aspects of professional cricket.”
In related news, the Women’s T20 World Cup will be held from October 3 to October 20 in the UAE, with England set to face Bangladesh in their opening match on October 5.
Upcoming England Women T20 World Cup Fixtures
- Saturday 5 October: Bangladesh vs. England (Sharjah)
- Monday 7 October: England vs. South Africa (Sharjah)
- Sunday 13 October: England vs. Scotland (Sharjah)
- Tuesday 15 October: England vs. West Indies (Dubai)
- Thursday 17 October: Semi-final 1 (Dubai)
- Friday 18 October: Semi-final 2 (Sharjah)
- Sunday 20 October: Final (Dubai)
Women’s T20 World Cup Groups
- Group A: Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
- Group B: South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Scotland
