'Major Step Towards Gender Parity': ICC Announces Equal Prize Money For Men's, Women's Teams At Global Events

ICC Equal Prize Money: The landmark decision of equal prize money for men's and women's teams was made during the ICC Annual Conference held in Durban.

In what comes as a massive boost to women's cricket and a move towards parity, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced equal prize money for men's and women's teams at all world competitions. The decision was taken during the world cricket governing body's Annual Conference in Durban, South Africa. The move marks a significant milestone in ICC's effort to achieve prize money parity by 2030 which would surpass it's previously decided timeline.

Teams that now finish in similar positions at the world events in men's and women's tournaments will receive the same amount for winning a fixture at these competitions.

"This is a significant moment in the history of our sport and I am delighted that men’s and women’s cricketers competing at ICC global events will now be rewarded equally," ICC Chairman Greg Barclay said.

"Since 2017 we have increased prize money at women’s events every year with a clear focus on reaching equal prize money and from here on in, winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will carry the same prize money as winning the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the same for T20 World Cups and U19s too," he added.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah has also termed the move a 'major step towards gender parity'. 

"I am thrilled to announce that a major step towards gender parity & inclusivity has been undertaken. The prize money at all @ICC events will be same for men & women. Together we grow," he wrote.

"I thank the fellow Board members for their support in helping achieve this important endeavour. Let’s work towards a future where cricket continues to thrive across the globe," he added.

Changes made in over-rate sanctions in Test cricket

In other major decision, changes were made to the over-rate sanctions in Test match cricket. This was done to ensure that teams are alert and on their toes with regards to over-rate even in the longest format of the game. Players will be subjected to a fine amounting to 5% of their match fee for every over that falls short. However, the maximum penalty was capped at 50%. Having said that if a team gets bowled out before the 80-over mark, no over-rate penalty will be imposed, irrespective of the delay. The previous threshold was set at 60 overs. The new over-rate sanctions will be in place from the current cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.