ICC’s Historic Decision: Equal Match-Day Pay for Female Match Officials

In a monumental stride towards gender equality in cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a landmark decision to ensure equal pay for female match officials, and supports the ICC’s calls for unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and fairness within the sport.

“Inclusivity is a cornerstone of our sport, but safeguarding the integrity and safety of the international women’s game remains our top priority. These changes are rooted in science and extensive consultations.”

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice

Key Reforms Unveiled by the ICC: Equalisation of Match-Day Pay

Starting from January 2024, female match officials will receive equal pay for officiating cricket matches, irrespective of whether they are overseeing men’s or women’s games. 

This pioneering step is poised to bridge the gender pay gap among match officials, promoting equality across the board.

Neutral Umpires in ICC Women’s Championship: 

The Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) has recommended incorporating at least one neutral umpire in every series of the ICC Women’s Championship. 

This mirrors the longstanding practice in men’s international cricket, ensuring parity and standardisation in officiating standards.

New Gender Eligibility Regulations: 

A significant move to uphold the integrity of the women’s game, the ICC has introduced gender eligibility regulations barring male-to-female participants who underwent male puberty from competing in international women’s cricket. 

These regulations will be revisited within two years to align with the evolving landscape of the sport, with individual member boards retaining jurisdiction at the domestic level.

Separately, the ICC has green-lit a trial phase for a “stop clock” system in men’s ODI and T20I cricket aiming to regulate the time taken between overs. A five-run penalty will be imposed on teams failing to bowl the next over within 60 seconds of completing the previous one, as part of efforts to enhance the pace of the game and elevate the spectator experience.

Additionally, modifications to pitch and outfield monitoring regulations, simplification of pitch assessment criteria, and an adjusted threshold for venues to maintain international status highlight the ICC’s commitment to improving the game’s quality and standards.

Photo Caption: South Africa’s Kerrin Klaaste will be among the women ICC cricket umpires to benefit from policy changes announced by the ICC, including that female match officials will receive equal pay for officiating cricket matches, irrespective of whether they are overseeing men’s or women’s games. Photo: Blake Linder (Instagram)