The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has implemented a significant pay overhaul for women’s domestic cricket, announcing a sharp increase in match fees and salaries in a move aimed at improving the financial structure of the game.
The decision represents the first major step taken by the ad-hoc committee led by Tamim Iqbal, which recently assumed charge. The reforms were prompted after it emerged that women players had been earning as little as BDT 1,000 per match in domestic one-day competitions until a recent revision.
Under the updated structure, match fees have been raised considerably across formats. Players will now earn BDT 10,000 for T20 matches, BDT 15,000 for 50-over games, and BDT 20,000 for first-class matches. Additionally, the monthly salaries for the top 36 women in the domestic circuit have increased from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000.
Tamim acknowledged that while the increase is a step forward, it may not yet meet ideal standards. “This may not be ideal, but it is certainly an improvement, considering there are limits to how much can be increased at once,” he said.
The revised pay structure is expected to provide greater financial security for players and encourage wider participation in women’s cricket across the country. Improved earnings are also likely to make the sport a more viable professional option for aspiring cricketers.
Further support has been introduced for participants in the upcoming inaugural BCB Women’s Cup T20 tournament. Players in the competition will receive a match fee of BDT 25,000 for the entire tournament, along with a daily allowance during the event.
The changes form part of broader reforms within Bangladesh’s domestic cricket system, which also include salary increases for male players. However, the focus of the current overhaul remains on addressing the gap in compensation within the women’s game.
“I think the players were highly underpaid in the previous salary structure. These players work hard, and cricket exists because of their efforts. At the very least, they deserve fair compensation,” Tamim said.
The new salary structure will take effect from January 1, 2026, as the board continues efforts to improve domestic competitions and strengthen the overall cricketing framework.
