England men and women’s cricket teams to earn equal match fees for first time

England’s male and female cricketers will be paid identical match fees for the first time after the ECB moved to level payments across the two teams.

England players receive match fees and win bonuses as top-ups to the central contract salaries awarded to core players each year.

While men’s central contracts remain vastly more lucrative, England’s women will have their match fees raised to the same level as their counterparts in a move that was recommended in a report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket earlier this year.

The value of those fees are not officially disclosed but are reported to be around £14,500 and £4,500 for Test and one-day matches, respectively.

The new rates will come into effect immediately, with Heather Knight’s side starting their T20 series against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

“It’s really important that we continue to drive the women’s game forward and it’s fantastic to see equal match fees for England Women and England Men,” Knight said.

“The direction of travel for the women’s game has always been the most important thing, creating a sustainable product that people want to watch and play, and I’m sure this will make cricket an increasingly attractive sport to girls and young women as we continue to grow the game.”