Beth Mooney Calls for Equal Pay in Women's Cricket

Beth Mooney Calls for Equal Pay in Women’s Cricket

Beth Mooney, Australia’s star opening batter, believes that women’s cricket must continue to push for equal pay in global competitions. As she prepares to return to the Hundred after a year’s absence, Mooney acknowledges the progress made in the tournament but emphasizes the need for further advancements.

Mooney, 30, was Manchester Originals’ top pick in this year’s draft, earning a top-tier £50,000 deal. While this represents a significant increase from previous years, it still falls short of the men’s top-tier salary of £125,000.

Despite the disparity in pay, Mooney praises the Hundred for its efforts in providing equal opportunities for men and women. She highlights the shared facilities and double-header match-days as positive steps towards gender equality in cricket.

However, Mooney believes that there is still work to be done. She points to the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket’s (ICEC) recommendation that English cricket should offer equal salaries for the Hundred by 2025. While the ECB has pushed back on this commitment, Mooney argues that it is essential to keep pushing the boundaries.

“We’ve got to keep asking the right questions of the ICC, and of each of the different boards of the countries, and make sure that we’re still striving to get, first and foremost, more girls in the game, but making sure there’s equal opportunities across the board for each country and the females as well,” Mooney said.

Mooney also discusses the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket globally. She believes that the gap between teams is narrowing, as evidenced by England’s recent success in the Women’s Ashes. However, she does not anticipate the same level of secrecy and reluctance to face teammates in the nets as seen in the men’s game.

“We play so much franchise cricket now, and a lot of us are really good mates. And there really aren’t any secrets in the global cricket game anymore, because there’s so much vision on everyone,” Mooney said.

As she returns to the Hundred, Mooney is aware of the high expectations surrounding her. She is determined to score runs and help Manchester Originals win games, but she also recognizes the fickle nature of cricket.

“I certainly don’t look at it as anything more or less than that. Like any tournament I play in, whether it’s for Australia or back home in the Big Bash, I’ve got a job to do, and that’s that doesn’t change, no matter what colour shirt I put on,” Mooney said.

AICF Unveils Ambitious Plan to Elevate Indian Chess

AICF Unveils Ambitious Plan to Elevate Indian Chess

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is determined to elevate the Indian chess landscape by hosting more international tournaments and launching a series of initiatives to nurture talent and expand the sport’s reach.

AICF President Nitin Narang announced plans to introduce an “AICF Super Tournament,” a unique platform that will provide Indian players with world-class competition and exposure. The tournament will feature a quota for Indian players, allowing them to compete alongside international stars.

Recognizing the need for increased opportunities, the AICF will also host a maximum number of AICF-rated tournaments, providing a competitive environment for players to hone their skills. The federation has allocated a record budget of Rs. 65 crore to support these initiatives.

To ensure equal opportunities, the AICF has pledged to eliminate gender disparities in prize money. Both male and female players will receive equal compensation in all tournaments and contracts.

The federation’s focus extends beyond elite players. It aims to strengthen the sport’s foundation by establishing district associations in every district, promoting chess in schools, and implementing an AICF rating system. This system will allow amateur players to get rated and participate in more tournaments, fostering a thriving chess ecosystem.

To address the lack of standardized academies, the AICF plans to launch 20 online academies and seek corporate support to establish 700 standardized academies across the country. These academies will provide training and support to young players, nurturing their talent and creating a pipeline of future champions.

The AICF’s comprehensive approach aims to transform the Indian chess landscape, providing opportunities for players of all levels, promoting the sport at the grassroots, and ensuring that India remains a global chess powerhouse.

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