Shikhar Dhawan happy with BCCI's decision of equal match fees: Women work equally as hard, they deserve it

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Shikhar Dhawan said he was very happy with BCCI's decision of equal match fees

Shikhar Dhawan said that women cricketers deserve equal match fees

BCCI announced equal match fees for centrally-contracted female and male players

By India Today Web Desk: Veteran India opener Shikhar Dhawan lauded the BCCI for announcing equal match fees for its centrally-contracted female and male players, saying it was a very good initiative. Dhawan said that women cricketers deserve equal match fees as they work equally hard and play for the country with the same passion.

"I am glad that everyone is appreciating towards that thing. I feel that Jay Bhai and the BCCI have taken a massive step that women cricketers will get the same match fees. I feel very happy because they also work equally hard and play for the country with the same passion. It's a very good initiative," Dhawan said in the India Today Conclave in Mumbai.

According to the new system, Indian women's cricketers will now be paid the same as their male counterparts: Rs 15 lakh per Test, Rs 6 lakh per ODI, and Rs 3 lakh per T20I. Previously, women's ODI and T20I match fees were Rs one lakh each, while Test match fees were Rs four lakh.The decision was taken at the BCCI Apex Council emergent meeting.

There are no changes to the annual contract at this point – India's women cricketers are slotted into pay brackets similar to the male cricketers, but have lower contracts.

"It was my commitment to our women cricketers and pay equity is an important step towards tackling discrimination. The female cricketers will be paid the same match fee as their male counterparts. Test (INR 15 lakhs), ODI (INR 6 lakhs), T20I (INR 3 lakhs). This is a landmark decision as we enter a new era in Indian Cricket. I would like to thank my colleagues in the BCCI Apex Council," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said.

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