The Current State of Gender Pay Disparity in The Hundred

The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) has raised concerns over the increasing gender pay gap within The Hundred cricket tournament. According to the PCA's Women's Impact Report released ahead of International Women's Day, the gap between the top salaries of men's and women's players has risen to £135,000 for 2025, up from £75,000 last year. This is a glaring inequality that needs immediate attention.

The Numbers Speak Volumes

Top-tier male athletes are set to earn £200,000 this season, a 60% increase from the previous year. In contrast, the leading women's players will receive £65,000, marking a 30% rise. While this constitutes part of an overall 25% increase across all salary bands, it leaves a significant gap. "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," said the players' union in their report.

The Role of ECB and Recent Developments

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has recently seen a substantial influx of £520 million through the sale of stakes in the eight Hundred franchises, bringing the collective value to over £975 million. The PCA report suggests that with this surge in private investment, stakeholders should make concerted efforts to close the pay gap, especially given the rising interest, viewership, and ticket sales for women's Hundred matches.

An ECB spokesperson highlighted that both men's and women's salary pots have increased by approximately 25% in the latest increase, contributing an additional £800,000 to women's salaries in 2023.

Positive Strides in Women's Cricket

Despite the pay gap, there have been notable advancements in the women's game. The average salary of a women's player has risen from £8,000 in 2021 to £29,100 this year. The minimum wage for a women's domestic player this year is £28,000, equal to that of their male counterparts.

Furthermore, the number of professional women cricketers has grown by 538% since 2020, from 24 to 153, a development supported by a new tiered domestic set-up. The overall budget for The Hundred has increased by 364% since 2021, reflecting the growing popularity of the women's game.

Voices from the Field

Nat Sciver-Brunt, vice-captain of the England women's team, noted the continuous improvements in the contractual and commercial conditions for England players. "Every year there has been significant improvements," she stated, emphasizing that player views are increasingly being considered and prioritized in decision-making processes.

Looking Ahead

The gaping disparity in earnings between male and female cricketers in The Hundred highlights a broader issue in sports—gender inequality. As women's cricket gains popularity and commercial viability, it's imperative that the pay structures evolve to reflect the true value and contributions of women players. The time for action is now, and the stakeholders in cricket must act swiftly to ensure a fair and equitable future for all players.

With ongoing advocacy from organizations like the PCA and continuous dialogue within the cricket community, there's hope for a future where pay equality in The Hundred becomes a reality, setting a precedent for other sports to follow.