BCCI looks to increase cash rewards for Women's Cricket team

Following India’s brilliant run in the Women’s World Cup, which saw the girls going right to the final, before they were narrowly outplayed by hosts England, the Committee of Administrators had decided to reward Rs 50 lakh each to the 15-member team and Rs 25 lakh for the support staff.

However, it has widely regarded as an inadequate sum for the side, who have made the nation proud by going against all odds, and members from various state units feel that the prize money should be increased. The Special General Body Meeting (SGBM) scheduled to be held on Wednesday, July 26, could see a suggestion concerning it as reported by PTI.  

A state unit representative from West Zone, who will be present at the Special General Body Meeting, has unofficially said, “I will propose that the cash award should be hiked to Rs 60 lakh for the players and Rs 30 lakh for the support staff. The girls have made us proud and they should be rewarded adequately. I think no one should have any objection if they are being paid more.”

BCCI’s acting president CK Khanna feels the same way and has revealed that BCCI could propose the need to raise the amount to the Committee of Administrators in the SGBM. Khanna said, “The women cricketers should have a hike in match fees. I will raise the issue at an appropriate forum.”

This wouldn’t be the first time that the prize money has been increased after an initial authorised declaration, said an official of CoA, although all finance related matters would be first passed by the general body.

“If one can recall after the India vs Australia series, played earlier this year ended, the COA had announced a cash award of Rs 50 lakh for the Indian men’s team. The general body then decided to increase it to Rs 1 crore per player,” the official said.