New Zealand’s professional women’s and men’s cricketers will receive the same pay for the same work on the same day, in a landmark agreement struck between NZC, the six Major Associations, and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.
The five-year deal, the first in which the men’s and women’s professional environments have been combined in one agreement, will see the WHITE FERNS and domestic women’s players receiving the same match fees as the men across all their formats and competitions.
NZC, the NZCPA and the six Major Associations worked towards a pay equity framework with the advice of gender pay expert, Yolanda Beattie.
The improved pay and conditions are part of an agreement calculated on the country’s men’s and women’s professional players receiving 29.75% of all NZC forecast revenue over five years ($349m), expected to amount to $104m.
Translated, this means the highest-ranked WHITE FERN would be able to receive a maximum of $163,246 a year (up from $83,432), the ninth-ranked, $148,946 ($66,266), and the 17th-ranked $142,346 ($62,833).
The top-ranked women’s domestic players in each Major Association would be able to receive a maximum of $19,146 (up from $3,423), the sixth-ranked $18,646 ($3,423), and the 12th-ranked $18,146 ($3,423).
The agreement sees the total number of women’s domestic contracts increase from 54 to 72, all positioned as a secondary work commitment with restricted obligations, to enable players to retain full-time employment and/or study commitments.
In addition, the number of domestic women’s annual contracts will be increased from nine to twelve per team, and an annual women’s North v South series for emerging international players will be introduced, complementing the existing development programmes.
New Zealand’s professional men’s players, whose match fees at T20I, ODI, Ford Trophy, and Dream11 Super Smash level will be the same as the women, will earn higher retainers, based on the increased number of matches played, formats contested, and time spent training and playing.
They have also received increases on current levels, the top-ranked BLACKCAP able to receive a maximum of $523,396 (up from $459,574), the tenth-ranked $444,196 ($377,981), and the 20th-ranked $367,196 ($305,453).
Additionally, the highest-ranked domestic men’s player in each Major Association would be in line to receive a maximum of $102,707 (up from $94,437), the eighth-ranked $87,307 ($77,357), and the 16th-ranked $75,207 ($64,406).
The total remuneration for men’s and women’s professional players includes retainers, match fees, Trust IP payments, retirement fund contributions and insurance.
They will retain their ability to play in overseas leagues, including the IPL.
Another significant enhancement of the new Master Agreement will be a bigger funding envelope for the NZCPA’s support services, allowing it to increase investment in (amongst other areas) its Personal Development Programme, particularly in terms of ensuring women’s domestic players are offered the same level of support as the domestic men, BLACKCAPS, and WHITE FERNS.
The agreement, to commence on August 1, also seeks to ensure professional women’s players receive equity in matters such as travel and accommodation, and the wider playing and training environment.
It retains the pregnancy and childcare provisions contained in the existing agreements.
NZC chief executive David White said the inaugural joint agreement represented important progress for professional cricket in New Zealand.
“I want to thank and congratulate the players and the Major Associations for their part in reaching such a significant agreement,” he 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.
Mr White said that, over the corresponding five-year period, NZC and the six Major Associations had also committed to additional investment in the community game.
NZCPA chief executive Heath Mills was delighted both the men’s and women’s professional players were now part of the same agreement.
“We’re thrilled to now have one agreement that includes our entire playing group,” he said.
“The new agreement ensures the players are well rewarded for what they bring to the game and, importantly, are supported through increased investment in personal development and well-being programmes.
Photo Credit: LinkedIn Profile Photo of Heath Mills
“To complete such an important negotiation in the manner we have speaks volumes of the spirit of the partnership.”
Northern Districts chief executive Ben MacCormack, who was one of the Major Associations’ representatives, said the increased resourcing of the domestic game was a focus of the negotiations.
“We’re very pleased,” he said. “It was critical we took a further step towards supporting domestic players, and particularly our women cricketers.
“This is huge for the future of cricket in this country, and we’re just thrilled for both sets of domestic players in terms of the progress made.”
WHITE FERNS captain Sophie Devine said the agreement was a game-changer for women’s cricket.
“It’s great for the international and domestic women players to be recognised in the same agreement, alongside the men.
“It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls.”
BLACKCAPS skipper Kane Williamson said it was an exciting time for the sport.
“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.”
Schedule of match fees (Women and Men):
Tests: $10,250
ODIs: $4,000
T20Is: $2,500
Plunket Shield: $1,750
Ford Trophy/Hallyburton Johnstone Shield: $800
Super Smash: $575
Name of Author: New Zealand Cricket
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
