May 22, 2013
Kingaroy cricket star Holly Ferling, who made her debut for Australia in the ICC World Cup in India in February, will benefit from a decision by Cricket Australia to restructure the contract system for women’s international and State cricket.
The changes will result in the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars becoming some of the best paid female athletes in the country, Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday in a media release.
The CA Board has approved a restructure of the contract system with a move from a three-tier payment retainer system to a squad ranking system.
The top player retainer increases from $15,000 to $52,000 and the minimum retainer rises from $5000 to $25,000.
Player tour payments will also rise from $100 to $250 per day.
With 85 tour days within the next year, players have the potential to earn more than $20,000 in tour payment earnings on top of their contract retainer payments.
With the restructuring of the contract system, Australia’s top female cricketers have the potential to earn approximately $70,000 – $80,000 during the next 12 months.
CA will continue to encourage players to pursue study and work commitments outside of cricket, with the retainers assisting players who are required to take time off work to tour with the national team.
However, it’s not just a one way deal … the cricketers will have increased game development and promotional commitments as part of their new contracts.
CA will also provide each State and the ACT with $100,000 a year to help fund minimum standards for female cricketers contracted to play in national competitions.
CA Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the announcement was a great step forward for the women’s game.
“The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars devote a huge amount of time and energy into being the number one team in the world in all formats and we feel that this is a landmark step in recognising their commitment and contribution to cricket as Australia’s favourite sport,” Mr Sutherland said.
“The recent success of the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars has led to unprecedented media coverage and recognition, as well as playing a significant role in driving an increase in female cricket participation by 18 per cent in the last 12 months taking us to 180,000 female participants.
“We are still working towards the day when Australia’s female cricketers will be able to earn a full-time, professional living from cricket. But the performances of our female stars justify this step and the day will come when future, full-time professional female cricketers will look back and thank those who went before them.”
