The Retainer Revolution in Women's Cricket

ISSUE No 2

The landscape of women’s cricket in Australia has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, with financial investments rising alongside the sports growing popularity. Australia has been a global pioneer in championing women’s cricket by consistently improving player contracts and raising professional standards.

In the 2015-16 season, domestic women cricketers in Australia were receiving a minimum retainer of just AUD $10,000 with an average of AUD $13,000. National team players were earning a minimum of AUD $19,000 and an average of AUD $34,000. These figures reflected the nascent state of professional women’s cricket at the time, with minimal financial backing.

Fast forward to 2023-24 and the landscape looks entirely different. Domestic players now earn a minimum of AUD $71,945 while the average salary has soared to AUD $111,192. National players are reaping even greater rewards, with minimum retainers at AUD $110,606 and the average at AUD $139,719. This significant financial growth is a direct result of Australia's intentional, sustained investment in the women’s game, making it one of the most competitive and attractive sporting careers for female athletes worldwide.

Australia’s women’s cricket saw intentional, rapid growth in player retainers early on, with domestic salaries rising by 80% from 2015–16 to 2016–17 and an impressive 150% increase from 2016–17 to 2017–18. National players experienced similar gains, with a 110% increase from 2015–16 to 2016–17. These initial leaps aimed to establish a solid foundation for the game. Since then, growth percentages have naturally slowed, with domestic salaries rising by 36.8% and 46.3% in subsequent years.

The monetary increases remain significant, demonstrating a continued commitment to building the women’s game with sustainable, well-paying careers.Since the T20 World Cup final defeat to West Indies women Australia has taken their dominance of women's international cricket to new heights. They have been unstoppable in both ODI and T20i. They set a world-record 26-match winning streak in ODIs from 2018 to 2021, a streak that was finally ended by India in September 2021.

Australia has been relentless in trophy hauling since then as well winning the women's T20 World Cup in 2018, 2020  and 2023. They also won the women's ODI World Cup in 2022.

Australia is ensuring that female athletes can pursue a professional career in the sport we love. This progress is also inspiring young girls to take up the sport, knowing they have the potential to build a long term career in cricket. This intentional commitment to supporting and growing the game is commendable. They are paving the way for future generations.

The rise of women's cricket in Australia is truly something to celebrate. The financial growth in player contracts over the last few years is just one indicator of the sports growing stature and importance. The future of women's cricket is bright and Australia are leading the charge.