WICB to boost women's fees, retainer contracts
Published:Thursday | September 22, 2016 | 12:00 AM
ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):
The West Indies Cricket Board said on Wednesday it plans to pump more than half a million United States dollars into the women's game, a move that will see an increase in player-retainer contracts and fees starting next month.
In a media release, the regional governing body for the sport said it would move the number of player retainer contracts from 11 to 15, and would also augment sponsorship payments, match fees and captains' allowances.
The increases are set to cost the board US$600,000, an injection of cash which chief executive Michael Muirhead believes will stimulate the women's game.
"We are hoping this new package will serve as an additional incentive for the current set of women, and will serve as a drawing card to more women to be attracted to cricket," said the Jamaican, who relinquishes the post next month.
The deal was hammered out along with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and, according to the WICB, it will also benefit non-retained players as well.
Former West Indies batsman Wavell Hinds, the current WIPA president and CEO, said the new compensation package for the women is "well deserved".
"Our women's senior team has been a solid elite performing group over the last decade. As such, the improvement and security in their compensation package are well deserved," Hinds said.