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PCB’s Salary Structure Sparks Outrage
Pakistan cricket has once again found itself at the center of controversy, this time over the wages of women cricketers in domestic cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently released a list of 90 women cricketers under contract, representing 10 different regions. However, the focus has shifted to the low salaries offered to these athletes, which fall below the minimum wage for unskilled workers in Pakistan.
Women Cricketers Paid Less Than Unskilled Workers
The PCB announced that contracted women cricketers participating in domestic tournaments would receive a monthly salary of 35,000 Pakistani (approximately 10,807 Indian rupees). This figure has sparked widespread criticism as it is lower than the legally mandated minimum wage for unskilled laborers in Pakistan, which stands at 37,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 11,424 Indian rupees).
This discrepancy has raised concerns about gender pay disparity in Pakistan’s sports sector, particularly when women’s cricket is gaining momentum globally. The backlash is reminiscent of the recent controversy surrounding the PCB’s reduction of match fees in the domestic T20 tournament featuring Babar Azam. This decision was eventually reversed following public outcry.
Increase in Contracts but No Salary Hike
While the PCB expanded the number of contracted women cricketers from 79 last year to 90 this year, the salary structure has remained stagnant. This list includes 62 emerging young talents and 19 under-19 women cricketers. Despite the broader inclusion of players, the delay in executing the contracts—announced in July last year but not implemented for nine months—has further frustrated the players and cricketing community.
Match Fees Also Under Scrutiny
In addition to the low monthly salaries, the match fees for women cricketers remain a point of contention. Currently, they receive 20,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 6,175 Indian rupees) per match. Players who do not make the playing XI earn only 10,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 3,088 Indian rupees) per match. Given that female cricketers can participate in a maximum of 31 games annually, their total potential earnings are still significantly lower than their male counterparts and even unskilled workers in the country.
Gender Pay Disparity in Pakistan Cricket
The controversy has reignited discussions on gender pay inequality in Pakistan cricket. While men’s cricket continues to receive significant financial backing, the women’s game struggles with inadequate wages and limited opportunities. Many believe that fair compensation is crucial for developing and motivating women cricketers in Pakistan.
Cricket boards worldwide, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia, have made strides in bridging the gender pay gap. However, Pakistan still lags in this aspect, prompting calls for immediate reforms to ensure fair remuneration for female athletes.
Calls for PCB to Address Wage Gap
The cricketing fraternity, sports analysts, and women’s rights activists are urging the PCB to reassess its wage policies for women cricketers. Financial support is essential to encourage more women to take the sport professionally and enhance Pakistan’s international women’s cricket presence.
As global conversations around gender equality in sports intensify, the Pakistan Cricket Board faces mounting pressure to rectify the wage gap and offer women cricketers a salary that reflects their dedication, skill, and contribution to the game. Whether the PCB will address these concerns remains to be seen, but the call for change is louder than ever.
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