NZ Cricket has announced a ground-breaking agreement, which will see men and women players paid the same match fees.
The five-year deal was struck between NZC, the six major associations and the NZC Players Association with the advice of gender pay expert Yolanda Beattie and promises 'same pay for the same work' for all players.
White Ferns and domestic women's players will receive the same match fees as the men across all their formats and competitions.
The agreement will start August 1, and will also see professional women's players receive equity in matters such as travel, accommodation, and the wider playing and training environment.
New Zealand's men's players, whose match fees at T20I, ODI, Ford Trophy, and Dream11 Super Smash level will be the same as the women, will earn higher retainers, based on the increased number of matches played, formats contested, and time spent training.
They have also received increases on current levels, the top-ranked Blackap player able to receive a maximum of $523,396 (up from $459,574), the tenth-ranked $444,196 ($377,981), and the 20th-ranked $367,196 ($305,453).
Additionally, the highest-ranked domestic men's player in each association would be in line to receive a maximum of $102,707 (up from $94,437), the eighth-ranked $87,307 ($77,357), and the 16th-ranked $75,207 ($64,406).
NZC chief executive David White believes the deal represents important progress for professional cricket in New Zealand.
"I want to thank and congratulate the players and the major associations for their part in reaching such a significant agreement," he said.
"This is the most important agreement in our sport, as it binds NZC, the major associations and our players at the hip, and sets the foundation to fund, grow and develop cricket.
"It's been a collaborative, yet very robust negotiation. Importantly, it represents a significant step forward, as we continue to grow our investment in women's cricket."
The improved pay and conditions are part of an agreement calculated on men and women professional players receiving 29.75% of all NZC forecast revenue over five years ($349m), expected to amount to $104m.
The highest-ranked White Fern could receive a maximum of $163,246 a year (up from $83,432), the ninth-ranked $148,946 ($66,266) and the 17th-ranked $142,346 ($62,833).
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine lauds the agreement as a gamechanger for women's cricket.
"It's great for the international and domestic women players to be recognised in the same agreement, alongside the men," she said. "It's a massive step forward and will be a huge drawcard for young women and girls."
Contract match fees breakdown:
Tests: $10,250, ODIs $4,000, T20Is $2,500, Plunket Shield $1,750, Ford Trophy/Hallyburton Johnstone Shield $800, Super Smash $575
