Brilliant initiative! ICC announces equal prize money for men's and women's mega events

On Thursday (July 13), the International Cricket Council (ICC) made a landmark move which will further help in the growth of the game, especially women's cricket. The ICC has announced equal prize money for mega events in men's and women's cricket.

The landmark move came forward following the ICC Annual Conference in Durban, South Africa. The major aim behind the move is tokick off a significant step towards achieving prize money parity by 2030. In addition, thenew policy will ensure that teams will be given equal prize money for identical standings at comparable events, as well as for match victories.

Start of a new dawn. An era of equality & empowerment

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah also reacted to the major development. He tweeted, "Start of a new dawn. An era of equality & empowerment.I am thrilled to announce that a major step towards gender parity & inclusivity has been undertaken. The prize money at all@ICC events will be same for men & women. Together we grow."

"I thank the fellow Board members for their support in helping achieve this important endeavour. Let’s work towards a future where cricket continues to thrive across the globe."

Meanwhile, the ICC Chairman Greg Barclay pointed out in a release, "This is a significant moment in the history of our sport and I am delighted that men’s and women’s cricketers competing at ICC global events will now be rewarded equally."

"Since 2017 we have increased prize money at women’s events every year with a clear focus on reaching equal prize money and from here on in, winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will carry the same prize money as winning the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the same for T20 World Cups and U19s too.

“Cricket is genuinely a sport for all and this decision from the ICC Board reinforces that and enables us to celebrate and value every single player’s contribution to the game equally," he added.

In women's cricket, Meg Lanning-led Australia won the last ICC event -- winning the T20 World Cup in South Africa early this year. Meanwhile, Australia clinched the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final -- beating Rohit Sharma-led India -- at The Oval, London last month.

The next ICC event is the upcoming Men's ODI World Cup in India, later this year in October-November.

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