New Zealand professional male and female cricketers will receive the same pay for the same work on the same day, in a landmark new agreement struck between NZC, the six Major Associations, and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA).

The five-year deal - the first in which the men’s and women’s professional environments have been combined in one Master Agreement - will see the WHITE FERNS and Domestic women’s players receiving the same match fees as men across all their formats and competitions.

NZC, the NZCPA and the six Major Associations worked towards a pay equity framework with the advice of gender pay expert Yolanda Beattie.

The improved pay and conditions are part of an agreement calculated on the country’s men’s and women’s professional players receiving 29.75% of all NZC forecast revenue over five years ($349m), expected to amount to $104m.

Translated, this means the highest ranked WHITE FERN would be able to receive a maximum of $163,246 a year (up from $83,432), the ninth-ranked, $148,946 ($66,266), and the 17th-ranked $142,346 ($62,833).

The top-ranked women’s Domestic players in each Major Association would be able to receive a maximum of $19,146 (up from $3,423), the sixth-ranked $18,646 ($3,423), and the 12th-ranked $18,146 ($3,423).

MORE CONTRACT SPOTS FOR HINDS

The new agreement also sees the total number of women’s Domestic contracts increase from 54 to 72, all positioned as a secondary work commitment with restricted obligations, to enable players to retain full-time employment and/or study commitments.

In addition, the number of Domestic women’s annual contracts will be increased from nine to 12 per team - and, an annual women’s North v South series for emerging international players will be introduced, complementing existing development programmes.

The match fees of New Zealand’s professional men’s players will be the same as women at T20I, ODI, Ford Trophy/HBJ and Dream11 Super Smash level. Men will continue to earn higher retainers (contracts) based on the increased number of matches played and formats contested by men, and time spent training and playing.

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Male players have also received increases on current levels. The top-ranked BLACKCAP is now able to receive a maximum of $523,396 (up from $459,574), the 10th-ranked $444,196 ($377,981), and the 20th-ranked $367,196 ($305,453).

Additionally, the highest-ranked Domestic men’s player in each Major Association would be in line to receive a maximum of $102,707 (up from $94,437), the eighth-ranked $87,307 ($77,357), and the 16th-ranked $75,207 ($64,406).

The total remuneration for men’s and women’s professional players includes retainers, match fees, Trust IP payments, retirement fund contributions and insurance and players will retain the ability to play in overseas leagues, including the IPL.

Another significant enhancement of the new Master Agreement is a bigger funding envelope for the NZCPA’s support services, allowing it to increase investment in its (among other areas) Personal Development Programme, particularly in terms of ensuring women’s Domestic players are offered the same level of support as the Domestic men, BLACKCAPS, and WHITE FERNS.

The agreement, to commence on 1 August 2022, also seeks to ensure professional women’s players receive equity in matters such as travel and accommodation, and the wider playing and training environment.

It retains the pregnancy and childcare provisions contained in the existing agreements.

MORE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

NZC chief executive David White said the inaugural joint agreement represented important progress for professional cricket in New Zealand.

“I want to thank and congratulate the players and the Major Associations for their part in reaching such a significant agreement,” he said.

“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.

“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.

Mr White said that, over the corresponding five-year period, NZC and the six Major Associations had also committed to additional investment in the community game.

NZCPA chief executive Heath Mills was delighted both the men’s and women’s professional players were now part of the same agreement.

“We’re thrilled to now have one agreement that includes our entire playing group,” said Mills.

“The new agreement ensures the players are well rewarded for what they bring to the game and, importantly, are supported through increased investment in personal development and wellbeing programmes.

“To complete such an important negotiation in the manner we have speaks volumes of the spirit of the partnership.”

Northern Districts chief executive Ben MacCormack, who was one of the six Major Associations’ representatives, said the increased resourcing of the domestic game was a focus of the negotiations.

“We’re very pleased,” he said. “It was critical we took a further step towards supporting Domestic players, and particularly our women cricketers.

“This is huge for the future of cricket in this country, and we’re just thrilled for both sets of Domestic players in terms of the progress made.”

WHITE FERNS captain Sophie Devine said the agreement was a game-changer for women’s cricket.

“It’s great for the international and Domestic women players to be recognised in the same agreement, alongside the men," said Devine.

“It’s a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls.”

BLACKCAPS skipper Kane Williamson said 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.

“This agreement goes a long way towards achieving that.”

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Article added: Tuesday 05 July 2022