New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) Former Bangladesh cricket captain and current head of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Tamim Iqbal, shared insights on the significant decision to enhance the match fees and salaries for both male and female domestic cricketers. He emphasized that players had been undercompensated for too long and deserved improved financial recognition.

This initiative marks the inaugural action taken by the newly formed ad hoc committee under Tamim's leadership, which commenced its duties earlier this week, delivering essential support to Bangladesh's domestic players, particularly in the women’s division.

While the increase is commendable, Tamim acknowledged that the current adjustments are merely a step forward. “This may not be perfect, but it certainly reflects a positive change, given the constraints on how much can be raised at once,” he mentioned in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.

Tamim was taken aback to discover that female cricketers were making as little as BDT 1,000 per match in domestic one-day events, a rate that has seen only marginal rises in recent years.

According to the newly established salary framework by BCB, match fees have been elevated across various formats. Female players are now set to earn BDT 10,000 for T20 matches, BDT 15,000 for 50-over games, and BDT 20,000 for first-class matches. Moreover, the monthly retainers for the top 36 female cricketers will rise from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000, marking a broader initiative to strengthen financial stability within the sport.

The changes are not limited to women’s cricket alone. Male domestic players have also benefited from salary increments, with Category A players now earning BDT 65,000 per month, while those in Categories B and C will receive BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000, respectively. The fees for first-class matches have also increased from BDT 75,000 to BDT 100,000.

Tamim underscored the necessity of these adjustments after years of stagnant earnings for players. “There has been minimal increase over the past three to four years. I believe the players were significantly underpaid in the previous structure. They work diligently, and cricket thrives due to their dedication. They rightfully deserve fair compensation,” he asserted.

The revised salary structure for both male and female cricketers will be implemented starting January 1, 2026.

In addition to the salary revisions, the cricket board has delineated the responsibilities of the 11-member ad hoc committee. Its primary immediate objective is to resolve ongoing disputes between clubs and the board, with plans to restart the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League in the near future.