New Zealand Men, Women Cricketers To Get Same Pay In Ground-Breaking Deal

Women and men will be paid the same amount for representing New Zealand and playing in top-tier domestic matches in a ground-breaking new deal. New Zealand's professional women's and men's cricketers will receive the same pay for the same play following a landmark deal to combine them in the same agreement. The five-year deal will see the White Ferns and domestic women's players receive the same match fees as men across all formats and competitions including ODIs, T20Is, Ford Trophy and Dream11 Super Smash level.

The agreement also increases the number of contracts offered to women cricketers in New Zealand and boosts the amount of competitive matches available to emerging players. New Zealand women's team 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," Devine said in an official statement released by New Zealand Cricket.

"It's a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls."

New Zealand men's team skipper Kane Williamson added that it is 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," Williamson said.

The agreement sees the total number of women's domestic contracts increase from 54 to 72. The number of domestic women's annual contracts will also be increased from nine to 12 per team.

An annual women's North vs South series for emerging international players will also be introduced. NZC and the six Major Associations have also