The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced financial rewards for every member of the U-19 Asia Cup-winning team, marking a moment of celebration for women’s cricket in the country.
On the same day the women’s cricket team made their Test debut, players like Nigar Sultana and Nahida Akter received more good news. The BCB introduced domestic cricket contracts and victory bonuses for the women’s team, similar to what the men’s team has.
BCB President Faruk Ahmed also declared financial rewards for the U-19 Asia Cup-winning team members. Earlier this month, Bangladesh defeated India in the final of the U-19 Asia Cup in the UAE, securing their second consecutive title. Each member of the team, including players and coaching staff, will receive BDT 300,000.
The new central contracts for women cricketers will span from October 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with 18 players included. Beyond this, 30 additional players have been added to a national contract, effective from November 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
“We already have a central contract for our women’s team. Now, we’re introducing a new contract for 30 additional players, similar to the men’s National League contracts,” said Faruk.
The BCB President also introduced a winning bonus system for women cricketers.
“We’ve introduced a win bonus for women’s cricket, similar to the men’s system. Based on team rankings, players will receive different bonus amounts. While the figures might vary slightly, the bonus system will be in place,” he added.
Faruk Ahmed further mentioned an increase in the players’ monthly salaries. Later, a press release revealed the updated salary structure, contract list, and winning bonus details.
Salary Structure and Grading:
- Grade A (BDT 120,000/month): Nigar Sultana, Farzana Hoque, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter
- Grade B (BDT 100,000/month): Fahima Khatun, Shamima Sultana, Sharmin Akter, Murshida Khatun, Marufa Akter, Rabeya
- Grade C (BDT 70,000/month): Sobhana Mostary, Lata Mondal, Jahanara Alam, Swarna Akter
- Grade D (BDT 60,000/month): Disha Biswas, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Sathi Rani
Players in Grades A and B received a BDT 20,000 increase, while those in Grades C and D received a BDT 10,000 raise.
National Contract Players (30):
Salma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, Ishma Tanzim, Fariha Islam, Sumaiya Akter, Sharmin Sultana, Rubaiya Haider, Farzana Akter, Suraiya Azmim, Pooja Chakraborty, Nishita Akter, Shampa Biswas, Jannatul Ferdous, Sabikun Nahar, Sanjida Akter, Fatema Jahan, Reya Akter, Misti Rani, Ayesha Akter, Fuwara Begum, Mosammat Eva, Sumaiya Akter, Jannatul Mawa, Deepa Khatun, Afia Asima, Unnati Akter, Taj Nehar, Sharifa Khatun.
Win Bonus System:
- For ODIs against teams ranked 1-3: BDT 100,000 per player per win
- Against teams ranked 4-6: BDT 75,000 per player per win
- Against teams ranked 7-9: BDT 50,000 per player per win
For T20Is, the amounts are BDT 50,000, 35,000, and 30,000, respectively. Additionally, winning a series will yield bonuses equivalent to match-winning amounts.
The BCB’s latest initiatives aim to strengthen women’s cricket and provide financial stability to the players while recognizing their hard work and achievements.