In a span of events the International Cricket Council (ICC) had released on July 13 stating that from now all men’s and women’s teams will be getting equal prize money at all ICC events.
“Teams will now receive equal prize money for finishing in similar positions at comparable events as well as the same amount for winning a match at those events,” ICC’s statement stated.
“This is a significant moment in the history of our sport and I am delighted that men’s and women’s cricketers competing at ICC global events will now be rewarded equally,” ICC Chairman Greg Barclay added.
This develop happened during the ICC Annual Conference in Durban, South Africa.
“Since 2017 we have increased prize money at women’s events every year with a clear focus on reaching equal prize money and from here on in, winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will carry the same prize money as winning the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the same for T20 World Cups and U19s too,” Barclay added.
On the other hand, Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary and Asian Cricket Council President, stated that it is a “start of a new dawn. An era of equality & empowerment.”
Adding “a major step towards gender parity & inclusivity” and an “important endeavour”.
Jay Shah mentioned in a tweet, “Start of a new dawn. An ear of equality & empowerment. I am thrilled to announce that a major step towards gender parity & inclusivity has been undertaken. The prize money at all @ICC events will be same for men & women. Together we grow. I thank the fellow Board members for their support in helping achieve this important endeavour. Let’s work towards a future where cricket continues to thrive across the globe.”
ICC has further stated that its members will also be given constructive funding post the establishment of a pragmatic investment fund to endorse efforts of individual aligned with the Global Growth Strategy.
“The success of our media rights and commercial programme for our next four-year cycle means we are able to invest more money than ever before into our sport,” Barclay averred.
“All Members will receive a base distribution and then additional revenue will be in relation to contribution to the global game both on and off the field. This is by far the largest level of investment ever to go into cricket and it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our Members to accelerate growth and engage more players and fans and drive competitiveness,” Barclay added.
“The ICC World Test Championship has injected renewed energy into Test cricket giving it compelling context,” ICC Men’s Cricket Committee Chair Sourav Ganguly stated.