(REUTERS) – New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and the players’ association have signed a historic five-year deal that will see male and female cricketers receive equal pay.
The agreement will see women’s players at both international and domestic level receive the same match fees as men across all formats and competitions.

“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,” NZC chief executive David White said yesterday.

“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.”
Translated, this means the highest-ranked White Fern would be able to receive a maximum of AU$147 000 a year (up from $75 000), and the 17th-ranked $128 000 (up from $57 000).

Under the agreement, the number of women’s domestic contracts will increase to 72 from 54 while the men will earn higher retainers due to the greater number of matches played, formats contested and time spent training and playing.

“It’s great for the international and domestic women players to be recognised in the same agreement, alongside the men,” White Ferns captain Sophie Devine said.
“It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls.”

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson agreed 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,” he said.
“This agreement goes a long way towards achieving that.”