Tamim Iqbal-led BCB announces major domestic pay hike for men and women cricketers, addressing long-standing underpayment concerns and boosting match fees and salaries ahead of 2026, marking a significant step toward fair compensation and financial stability.
In a landmark move aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over player welfare, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), under the leadership of former captain Tamim Iqbal, has announced a substantial increase in salaries and match fees for both men’s and women’s domestic cricketers. The decision marks the first major reform undertaken by the newly formed ad hoc committee and signals a strong commitment to improving financial conditions within Bangladesh’s cricketing structure.
Speaking on the development, Tamim Iqbal acknowledged that domestic players had been “highly underpaid” for years and emphasized the need for fair financial recognition. He described the pay revision as a step in the right direction, even if it may not yet meet ideal standards. According to him, limitations in budget and structural constraints meant that gradual improvement was the most realistic approach.
The revised pay structure brings significant changes, particularly in women’s cricket, which has historically faced severe pay disparities. Under the new system, women cricketers will now earn BDT 10,000 per match in T20 formats, BDT 15,000 for one-day games, and BDT 20,000 for first-class matches. Additionally, the monthly retainers for the top 36 women players have been increased from BDT 30,000 to BDT 40,000, providing enhanced financial security and stability.
Tamim revealed his surprise upon learning that women players were previously earning as little as BDT 1,000 per match in domestic one-day competitions. The new pay scale, therefore, represents a tenfold increase in some cases, underscoring the board’s effort to rectify years of financial neglect.
Male domestic cricketers have also benefited from the revised structure. Category A players will now receive BDT 65,000 per month, while those in categories B and C will earn BDT 50,000 and BDT 40,000 respectively. First-class match fees have also been raised significantly, from BDT 75,000 to BDT 100,000, ensuring better compensation for performance at the highest domestic level.
Tamim stressed that the decision was driven by the recognition that domestic players form the backbone of the country’s cricket ecosystem. “These players work hard, and cricket exists because of their efforts. At the very least, they deserve fair compensation,” he said, reinforcing the board’s commitment to player welfare.
The updated salary structure is set to come into effect from January 1, 2026, and is expected to bring immediate relief to hundreds of domestic players across the country. Beyond financial revisions, the BCB’s 11-member ad hoc committee has also been tasked with resolving ongoing disputes between clubs and the board. One of its immediate priorities includes restarting the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, which has faced delays due to administrative challenges.
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The move has been widely welcomed as a progressive reform that not only improves financial incentives but also strengthens the foundation of Bangladesh’s cricketing future. By prioritizing fair pay and stability, the BCB aims to ensure that domestic players remain motivated and committed to the sport.
