Is BCCI 'sexist'? I am not saying that but the pay gaps are!
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) which is the richest sporting body in the country and the richest cricketing board in the world is never shy of boasting about its wealth. BCCI generates 70 per cent revenue for the International Cricket Council (ICC) annually and is notoriously known for its monopoly in the world of cricket.
BCCI does not depend on Government of India for its finances and have recently sold the global media rights for $ 2.3 billion for its T20 tournament to Star India, the Indian Premier League. And as the IPL comes under BCCI, there should be no doubt that it is the richest cricketing league in the world. The official kit sponsorship rights for 5 years from 2016 to 2020 was sold to Nike for $ 51 million. BCCI is worth $1.4 billion when it comes to its annual operating income.
But when it comes to gender equality, it can be said that BCCI is the poorest among the lot. Recently, BCCI released the list of annual player contracts and the payment structures given to its cricketers (male or female). The pay gaps between the men’s and women’s team will put you in dilemma. Is BCCI really so rich? Is BCCI sexist?
Compare the list and decide it yourself:
For long, women cricketers in India are fighting to get their own T20 league. But last year, BCCI handed them a lollipop of just one game before the IPL. Australia and England cricket already have their own women’s T20 league and despite less sponsors and low viewership they have continued it for the sake of equality. So, where does the BCCI stand in all of these? Should BCCI only post about women’s welfare occasionally? Or should it take comprehensive step towards empowering them?
Also read: Women in Blue: Top 5 cricketers of India
First published: 9 March 2019, 17:08 IST