The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), led by former Bangladesh cricket team captain Tamim Iqbal, has announced an increase in the domestic match fees and salaries of male and female cricketers. The board says that the players were getting very little money for a long time.

The decision is the first step by the Tamim Iqbal-led ad hoc committee, which began its work earlier this week. This decision of the board has brought great relief to the domestic cricketers of Bangladesh, especially the players of the women’s league.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Tamim Iqbal said that it may not be ideal, but it is definitely an improvement. There is a limit to financial growth at one time.

Tamim was surprised to know that women cricketers were paid only Rs 1,000 (Bangladeshi Taka) per match in domestic ODI matches. This figure has increased slightly in recent years.

According to BCB’s new salary structure, match fees have been increased across different formats, with women players now earning Rs 10,000 (Bangladeshi Taka) for T20 matches, Rs 15,000 (Bangladeshi Taka) for 50-over (ODI format) matches, and Rs 20,000 (Bangladeshi Taka) for first-class matches. Apart from this, the monthly salary for the top 36 women cricketers has been increased from Rs 30,000 (Bangladeshi Taka) to Rs 40,000 (Bangladeshi Taka). This is an attempt to increase the financial stability of the players.

This change is not limited to women’s cricket only. The salaries of male domestic players have also increased, with Category A players now earning Rs 65,000 (Bangladeshi Taka) per month, while Category B and C players will get Rs 50,000 (Bangladeshi Taka), and Rs 40,000 (Bangladeshi Taka) respectively. The first-class match fee has also been increased, from Rs 75,000 (Bangladeshi Taka) to Rs 100,000 (Bangladeshi Taka).

Tamim stressed that these changes were necessary after years of stagnation in players’ earnings. He said, “There has been very little increase in the last three-four years. I think in the previous salary structure, players were paid very less. These players work hard, and cricket is because of their efforts. At least, they deserve the right salary.”

The updated salary structure for both men and women will be applicable from January 1, 2026.

Along with salary rescheduling, the Cricket Board has also explained the work of the 11-member Ad Hoc Committee. Its main aim is to resolve the current disputes between the clubs and the board, and focus on resuming the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League in the coming weeks.