BCCI to review domestic pay for women cricketers; Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma contract grading on agenda

Indian women cricketers' domestic match fees are set for a crucial review at the BCCI's December 22 Apex Council meeting. This follows India's World Cup success and growing calls for better financial support. The meeting will also address men's central contracts, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's grading under scrutiny.
L-R: India cricketers Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to take up a long-awaited revision of domestic match fees for women cricketers during the Apex Council meeting scheduled for December 22. The meeting, which will be held virtually, comes in the wake of India’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign and growing calls for stronger financial support for women competing in domestic tournaments.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! While pay parity exists at the international level, significant gaps remain in the domestic structure. With the women’s game gaining momentum, the BCCI is now poised to address the issue formally, with the proposal listed as a key agenda item.
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Another major point of discussion will be the annual central contracts for the men’s team. Much attention will be on the grading of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom stepped away from Tests and T20Is over the past year and now play only ODI cricket. Their revised workload may prompt adjustments to their contract categories. In contrast, all-format players such as India captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja, and lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah are expected to feature in the A+ bracket, reflecting their central roles across formats.
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Increasing women cricketers' match fees Revising contracts for men players Revising payments for umpires
The BCCI will also evaluate a proposal to revise match fees for umpires and match referees, a long-pending demand within the domestic circuit. An update on the board’s digital properties, which includes streaming rights, website upgrades, and fan-engagement platforms, is also slated for discussion. This will be the first Apex Council AGM since the recent administrative changes within the BCCI. Mithun Manhas took over as president in September, while Raghuram Bhatt assumed charge as treasurer. Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia were appointed secretary and joint secretary, respectively, and Saurashtra Cricket Association chief Jaydev Shah joined as councillor.Apex Council Agenda (Key Items):
Revision of match fees for women cricketers in domestic cricket
Revision of payments for umpires and match referees
Annual player retainership contracts
Update on BCCI digital properties
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