The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has become the first state cricket association in India to award annual retainers to both its men’s and women’s players. The move marks a significant step towards greater financial support and gender parity in domestic cricket.
Under the new scheme, 22 players, including 14 male and eight female who are not centrally contracted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or part of other targeted groups, will receive contracts. The retainers are structured in three grades and applied equally regardless of gender: Rs 12 lakh for Grade A, Rs 8 lakh for Grade B, and Rs 6 lakh for Grade C.
Mumbai Cricket Association to introduce equal annual retainers for men and women players
Among the men, Grade A contracts have been awarded to players including Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani. Women’s Grade A recipients include Humaira Kazi and Vrushali Bhagat. Players will also continue to receive match fees, daily allowances and performance-based incentives in addition to the annual retainers. The MCA described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind move in Indian domestic cricket.
It comes more than seven years after the BCCI, under then-president Sourav Ganguly, began prioritising equal pay structures at the national level. The association’s decision is expected to provide greater security for domestic players and may encourage other state bodies to follow suit.
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