The WHITE FERNS huddle up prior to fielding. Image:photosport.co.nz

WHITE FERNS to get pay rise

A significant boost for women’s cricket in New Zealand: a greater number of annual WHITE FERNS contracts are to be awarded, and at a substantially higher rate of pay.

A new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between New Zealand Cricket and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association will this week see 15 of the country’s best women cricketers offered annual retainers ranging in value from $20,000 to $34,000.
 
With match fees of $400 (ODIs) and $300 (T20Is), leading WHITE FERNS will soon be earning more than $40,000 per annum, not counting prizemoney, fees from playing in overseas leagues, and/or endorsements.
 
Previously, ten WHITE FERNS contracts were awarded annually, ranging in value from $10,000-12,000.
 
NZC chief executive David White said the move was good news, not just for women’s cricket but for the overall health of the New Zealand game.
 
“Better remunerating our best women’s players fits in well with NZC’s strategic priority of making cricket a game for all New Zealanders, and our commitment towards inclusivity and diversity.
 
“Internationally, women’s cricket is going from strength to strength and this new MoU recognises that evolution.”
 
WHITE FERNS coach Haidee Tiffen expected the initiative to result in more young female athletes in New Zealand setting their sights on playing elite level cricket.
 
“This is great news for women’s cricket; for both the current players in New Zealand, and our hopes of producing top WHITE FERNS in the future”, she said.
 
“It’s the sort of investment that will really make a difference – particularly in terms of sustaining our presence in the top echelon of women’s international cricket”.
 
The WHITE FERNS are eyeing a busy international schedule this season, starting with a tour to South Africa in October; a visit from Pakistan, and home and away series against Australia.
 
The first round of WHITE FERNS contract offers will be announced on Friday.

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