Step foot inside the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, and you’ll notice a stark contrast. The parking lot is packed with luxurious cars, predominantly owned by male national cricketers, board members, coaches, and staff. Surprisingly, there’s a noticeable absence of vehicles belonging to female cricketers, highlighting a stark reality that speaks volumes.
Despite years of dedicated service to the country, many women cricketers still struggle to afford the luxuries and privileges that their male counterparts enjoy without a second thought.
In a recent development, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revealed a substantial 35 percent increase in pay for women’s cricketers, aligning their daily allowances and tour fees with those of the men’s team. Players falling into four different categories are set to earn monthly salaries ranging from Tk 80,000 to Tk 1,60,000. Although the BCB has expanded the women’s national contract list from 30 to 35 players, the monthly salary remains fixed at Tk 30,000. In comparison, 21 male national cricketers earn between Tk two lakh and Tk 10 lakh, while approximately 100 first-class male players take home Tk 30,000 to Tk 40,000.
Currently, the BCB has a total of 21 male cricketers and 15 female cricketers under central contracts. While male cricketers fall into three categories (A, B, and C) with monthly salaries of Tk 40,000, Tk 35,000, and Tk 30,000 respectively, the 35 female cricketers under national contract are yet to be categorized and receive a fixed salary of Tk 30,000 per month.
In a significant disparity, male cricketers received Tk 40,000 as match fees in the recent NCL T20, while female players received a mere Tk 3,000 in the last women’s NCL. The BCB has recently equalized the day allowance and tour fee for male and female cricketers, with both now receiving USD 75 as a day allowance and USD 50 as a tour fee per day during international assignments, except for ICC and ACC events.
Despite some progress, pay inequality persists in Bangladesh cricket. Men typically earn between Tk 2 lakh and Tk 8 lakh per international match, in stark contrast to women who receive only Tk 50,000 to Tk 1 lakh.
While the BCB has made strides towards equality, there is still much room for improvement. The women’s wing chairman and former national spinner Abdur Razzak expressed the board’s commitment to gradually increasing match fees.
For many female players, financial struggles remain a harsh reality. Some have even contemplated quitting after losing their central contracts, citing earnings that are barely enough to make ends meet.
Limited game opportunities exacerbate the situation. A female cricketer highlighted the stark difference in match fees, stating that men received Tk 40,000 per match in the NCL T20 this year, while women received only Tk 3,000 last year.
Women’s cricket in Bangladesh often operates in the shadow of men’s cricket, receiving secondary treatment in terms of venues, facilities, and schedules. Despite achieving a significant milestone by clinching the 2018 Asia Cup, the women’s team continues to struggle for opportunities, acknowledgment, and a fair share of the sport’s rewards.
Since their Asia Cup victory, India, the runners-up, have gone on to win their first World Cup, while the Tigresses are still in a transitional phase, fighting for their place in the limelight and a more equitable share of cricket’s benefits.