CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) signed a landmark deal on Tuesday with players’ associations to pay professional male and female cricketers equally.

NZC announced on its official website that both women’s and men’s cricketers in New Zealand would get the same remuneration for the same work on the same day after a breakthrough deal reached by NZC, the six Major Associations, and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.

Under the agreement signed for the five years, women’s players will be paid the same match fees as men across all formats at both the domestic and international levels.

The deal will also translate into an increase in the number of domestic contracts for women to 72 from 54. However, the professional men’s players will receive higher retainers based on the increased number of matches played, formats contested, and time spent on training and playing.

In his remarks, NZC Chief Executive David White hailed the equal pay agreement as a historic success that would significantly contribute to the development of women’s cricket.

“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,” he said.

“Importantly, it represents a significant step forward as we continue to grow our investment in women’s cricket.”

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