West Indies Captain and Legendary All-Rounder Praise ICC’s Decision to Introduce Equal Prize Money for Men’s and Women’s Competitions
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews and legendary all-rounder Deandra Dottin have joined voices praising the ICC’s decision to introduce equal prize money for men’s and women’s competitions.
A Significant Moment for Women’s Cricket
This monumental step comes ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, marking a significant moment for the tournament and the future of women’s cricket.
Prize Money Boost
The winners of this year’s World Cup, which concludes on October 20, will take home USD 2.34 million, while the runners-up will receive $1.17 million. The total prize pool of $7.95 million reflects a 225% increase from the previous edition, positioning cricket as the only central team sport to offer equal prize money for both its men’s and women’s World Cup events.
Respect and Recognition
As West Indies prepares to open their campaign against South Africa on October 4 in Dubai, Matthews expressed her delight at the move, highlighting its significance for women cricketers globally. “It puts a lot of respect on the game,” said Matthews. “As professional cricketers, we work as hard as men do, so receiving equal prize money is a huge step forward. It validates our efforts and the passion we bring to the game. Hopefully, this is just the beginning of more positive changes for women’s cricket across the board.”
Deandra Dottin’s Take
Matthews’ sentiments are echoed by the returning Deandra Dottin, who is back in the West Indies squad after a two-year absence. Known for her explosive all-round abilities, Dottin welcomed the changes, noting that this shift reflects the growing respect for women’s cricket at the global level. “It’s great to see the ICC taking this step. It shows that women’s cricket is being taken seriously, and that’s a huge boost for players like us. We’ve always worked hard and now see tangible recognition for that effort. This is a major move in the right direction.”
Conclusion
The introduction of equal prize money for men’s and women’s competitions is a significant step forward for women’s cricket. It acknowledges the hard work and dedication of women cricketers and sets a positive precedent for the future of the sport.
FAQs
Q: What is the total prize pool for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?
A: The total prize pool is $7.95 million.
Q: What is the prize money for the winners of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?
A: The winners will take home USD 2.34 million.
Q: What is the significance of the ICC’s decision to introduce equal prize money for men’s and women’s competitions?
A: It acknowledges the hard work and dedication of women cricketers and sets a positive precedent for the future of the sport.