The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has announced significant reforms to its women’s cricket infrastructure, introducing national contracts for 30 additional players while also increasing salaries for centrally contracted cricketers. This landmark decision, effective from November 2024 to June 2025, aims to strengthen the depth of Bangladesh’s women’s cricket and ensure greater financial stability for players.
Expanded National Contracts
In a move to bolster the country’s cricketing talent pool, the BCB has extended national contracts to 30 female cricketers who are either uncapped or have been absent from the national team for an extended period. This initiative is modeled after the first-class contracts for male cricketers, reflecting the board’s commitment to equitable development across genders.
“The women’s national contract is similar to the first-class players’ contract for male cricketers,” the BCB noted in an official statement. “This decision aims to provide financial stability to a larger pool of women cricketers.”
The newly contracted players will receive a monthly salary up to June 2025, offering an unprecedented opportunity for emerging and returning players to hone their skills while benefiting from financial security.
Revised Salary Structure for Centrally Contracted Players
In addition to expanding its roster, the BCB has revised the salary structure for the 18 centrally contracted players, introducing notable increases across all grades for the October 2024 to June 2025 period:
- Grade A: BDT 120,000 ($1,000) per month, up from BDT 100,000
- Grade B: BDT 100,000 ($850) per month, up from BDT 80,000
- Grade C: BDT 70,000 ($600) per month, up from BDT 60,000
- Grade D: BDT 60,000 ($500) per month, up from BDT 50,000
This adjustment not only rewards the players’ hard work but also ensures that Bangladesh’s leading cricketers are better compensated for their contributions.
Performance Bonuses Introduced
To further incentivize excellence on the field, the BCB has introduced performance bonuses for match and series victories against top-ranked teams. These bonuses vary based on the ranking of the opposition:
- Beating ICC Top-3 Teams: BDT 100,000 ($850) for ODIs and BDT 50,000 ($420) for T20Is
- Beating Teams Ranked 4th-6th: BDT 75,000 ($630) for ODIs and BDT 35,000 ($300) for T20Is
- Beating Teams Ranked 7th-9th: BDT 50,000 ($420) for ODIs and BDT 30,000 ($250) for T20Is
This bonus system not only motivates players to excel but also underlines the BCB’s focus on competitiveness and growth at the international level.
List of Centrally Contracted Players
Grade A (BDT 120,000):
- Nigar Sultana Joty
- Fargana Haque
- Ritu Moni
- Nahida Akter
Grade B (BDT 100,000):
- Fahima Khatun
- Shamima Sultana
- Sharmin Akhter
- Murshida Khatun
- Marufa Akter
- Rabeya Khan
Grade C (BDT 70,000):
- Sobhana Mostary
- Lata Mondal
- Jahanara Alam
- Shorna Akter
Grade D (BDT 60,000):
- Disha Biswas
- Sultana Khatun
- Dilara Akter
- Shathi Rani
National Contract Pool
The newly added players include experienced cricketers and promising newcomers, such as Salma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, and Fariha Trisna, among others. This expansion ensures a broader base of players, fostering development and competition within the domestic circuit.
Strengthening Women’s Cricket in Bangladesh
The BCB’s initiatives signify a substantial investment in the future of women’s cricket in Bangladesh. By expanding the national contract system, increasing salaries, and introducing performance bonuses, the board is paving the way for a more competitive and sustainable cricketing ecosystem.
As Bangladesh women’s cricket continues to evolve, these measures are expected to provide the financial support and professional encouragement necessary for players to excel on the global stage.
