Women cricketers’ allowances set to rise

Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) women's wing has decided to propose an increase in day allowances and tour fees for the women's national cricket team, aiming to bring them closer to their male counterparts.

"The meeting [board meeting] is yet to take place. We have decided to propose an increase in the day allowance and other allowances for the women's national team so that it becomes similar to the men's team," said Abdur Razzak, chairman of the BCB women's wing, while speaking to The Daily Star yesterday.

At present, players of the men's national team receive USD 75 as day allowance and USD 50 as tour fee per day during international assignments. In contrast, women's players get USD 50 and USD 25 respectively, except during ICC and ACC events.

According to the women's wing, the initiative was originally proposed by BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul and director Nazmul Abedeen Fahim during their previous term. The proposal is expected to be placed for approval at the next board of directors' meeting.

Former national selector Razzak added that the board is also considering an increase in match fees for the women's team. Currently, women's players earn Tk one lakh for WODIs and Tk 50 thousand for WT20Is, while men's players receive Tk eight lakh, Tk four lakh, and Tk 2.5 lakh for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is respectively.

"It may not be possible to make them equal right now, but the increase will happen gradually," said the former left-arm spinner.