We deserve this, says a delighted Punam Raut

Punam Raut

India batter Punam Raut and all-rounder Anjua Patil reckoned BCCI's Thursday announcement of equal pay for centrally contracted men and women cricketers is a sure shot boost for women cricket. Now, at par with India's men cricketers, women cricketers will earn match fees of Rs 15 lakh per Test, Rs 6 lakh per ODI and Rs 3 lakh per T20I.

Raut, 33, who has represented the country in four Tests, 73 ODIs and 35 T20Is, revealed that women cricketers were eagerly awaiting this development. "It's very good news. We have been eagerly waiting for it since a long time - to get the same treatment - as men cricketers. We are no less than men. If you see the performances and achievements women cricketers attain, we deserved it," Raut told mid-day on Thursday.

Also read: BCCI announces equal pay for centrally-contracted male and female cricketers

Patil, 30, who has played 50 T20Is, is in Bangalore to play the domestic T20 knockouts for Jharkhand. She echoed the same sentiment as Raut. "We have been expecting and hoping for this decision to come for a long time. We women cricketers dish out the same efforts, work hard the same way like men cricketers. Be it physically or mentally, hard work is the same for both," Patil remarked. Raut, who made her international debut against West Indies in the ICC ODI World Cup in Australia in 2009, recalled her first match fees.

"I received Rs 1 lakh for that full series (World Cup in 2009). For a Test match we used to get Rs 1 lakh per day, which means R4 lakh for one Test [four-day Test]. I got Rs 1 lakh as match fees in my last ODI[against England at Bristol in June 2021]. "With this development, perception of parents about women's cricket will change. Girls will get more support from their parents now. Match fees for the domestic games could also increase and our domestic cricket will get stronger," Raut added.

Kolhapur-based Patil felt more girls will play and view cricket as a career option. She said: "It will be a big boost for women's cricket. Mostly all girls came from middle-class or lower middle class families. Now, parents will see it as a career for their child. It will also help us get a good amount of quality players."