London, Mar 08 (V7N) –Players' union chiefs say the growing gender pay gap in English cricket's newly cash-rich Hundred competition "cannot be allowed to continue".

 

While the overall pay pot for the eight-strong franchise competition, which features both men's and women's teams, has grown by 25%, the gulf between the earning potential of leading men and women is also increasing.

The top salary band in the men's squads is now £200,000 ($258,000) compared with £65,000 in the women's game, taking the differential at the highest level from £75,000 in 2024 to £135,000.

The Professional Cricketers' Association said the current situation was indefensible at a time when the Hundred has been valued at nearly £1bn following a huge cash injection from private investors.

The Women's Cricket Impact Report, published ahead of International Women's Day on March 8, said: "The association is concerned that the disparity between the men's and women's top salaries has increased - this cannot be allowed to continue.

"Considering the tournament is marketed equally amongst the men's and women's squads with the two teams, one club mantra, which is to be applauded, it is more than disappointing to see the gender pay gap increase."

The PCA said stakeholders should be working hard to close the gap "especially considering the increased interest, viewership and ticket sales for women's Hundred matches".

England women's captain Heather Knight, while noting the progress made, reinforced the point in a foreword to the report.

"It's imperative that progress continues as there's still a lot of catching up required, as we've seen recently with the disparity in the Hundred salaries, as we look to secure an equitable game in England and Wales," she said.

END/MSS/RH