A true legend of Indian cricket, Mithali Raj, recently opened up about the incredible transformation of women’s cricket in India. Her insights, shared in an old interview with The Lallantop, have gone viral following the Indian Women’s team’s historic 2025 World Cup triumph.
Mithali’s reflections highlight a stark contrast between the early days of passion-driven play and the current era of professionalism and financial equality.
It’s a journey from barely covering travel costs to seeing players become crorepatis, a testament to dedication and the powerful influence of the BCCI.
The Early Days: Passion Over Payments
During the early 2000s, women’s cricket in India was a world away from the professional setup we see today. Mithali Raj, who famously led India to their first Women’s World Cup final in 2005, vividly recalled the financial struggles.
Earning Pennies: The 2005 World Cup Story
The former captain shared details from that groundbreaking 2005 World Cup. Despite reaching the final, the financial rewards were minimal.
“When we became runners-up in the 2005 World Cup, each of us received just ₹1,000 per match,” Mithali stated. “We played eight matches in that tournament, so we got ₹8,000 in total.”
At that time, there were no structured annual contracts or proper match fees. Players participated primarily out of a deep love for the game, often sacrificing personal comfort.
WCAI: A Time of True Dedication
Before 2006, women’s cricket in India was managed by the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI). This independent body operated without significant sponsors or robust financial backing.
Players endured challenging conditions, frequently traveling by train in general compartments and staying in modest hotels. “There was no money because the association itself didn’t have funds,” Mithali explained. “We didn’t get paid much, but the love for cricket kept us going.”
A New Dawn: BCCI’s Game-Changing Intervention
The turning point arrived in 2006 when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took women’s cricket under its wing. This marked the beginning of a significant transformation.
With the BCCI’s stronger financial backing and improved infrastructure, the landscape of Indian women’s cricket began to change dramatically.
The Road to Professionalism
Under the BCCI’s management, players started receiving per-series and later per-match payments. This gradual evolution brought much-needed structure and financial stability to the sport.
Over time, the payment system became more refined, introducing central contracts and higher pay scales, elevating the status of women cricketers.
Equal Pay: A Historic Milestone
The biggest breakthrough came in 2022. The BCCI announced an unprecedented move: equal match fees for both men and women cricketers.
This historic decision positioned India as a global leader in promoting gender equality in sport. It truly leveled the playing field for the Indian women’s cricket team.
Today, Indian women cricketers earn the same as their male counterparts, reflecting their immense talent and dedication:
- Test Matches: ₹15 lakh
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): ₹6 lakh
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): ₹3 lakh
The Full Circle: A Legacy Realized
For Mithali Raj, who also led India to the 2017 World Cup final, this journey has indeed come full circle. She witnessed the game evolve from players earning a mere ₹1,000 per game to becoming full-time professionals.
The current generation benefits from world-class facilities, robust support systems, and the dignity of equal pay.
Watching the Indian women’s team lift the World Cup as financially secure, respected athletes must be a profoundly satisfying moment for the pioneers like Mithali who paved the way with their sheer love for the game.
Conclusion
Mithali Raj’s viral interview beautifully encapsulates the inspiring evolution of women’s cricket in India. It’s a powerful narrative of resilience, passion, and the eventual triumph of equality.
From the lean days of the WCAI to the present era of BCCI-backed professionalism and equal pay, the journey of Indian women’s cricket stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to unwavering dedication. It reminds us that every struggle can pave the way for a glorious future.