Professionalism of female cricket gains momentum

1 September, 2016
ACA Chief Executive Alistair Nicholson is pleased by yesterday’s comments from his Cricket Australia (CA) counterpart James Sutherland regarding the direction of female cricket in Australia.

Speaking at the SCG about CA’s decision to increase funding for grassroots female-only programs, Sutherland said; “We want our sport to be fully professional for women and we are heading in that direction through a transition period over the next few years;” a point welcomed by Nicholson.

“Yes it is very pleasing; the ACA has been calling for an MOU for female players for the last two years and we’re aiming to make this a reality in the upcoming negotiation period.”

However, instead of a separate MOU for the female players, Mr Nicholson pointed to the opportunity to have the female and male players under the one MOU.

“Equality of terms and conditions, for all cricketers regardless of gender, is what we are striving for.

“Having male and female players in the same MOU is the best way to achieve this.”

Noting the opportunity to develop a professional environment for the female players, Nicholson highlighted how the male players have set the template for almost 20 years.

“Since 1998, the male players have operated in a structure that has supported their off field welfare and environment, just as much as their on-field requirements.

“The two fundamental elements to this are the Revenue Sharing Model, and the terms and conditions contained in the MOU.

“Both of these elements should be the pillars by which the female players continue on their path to professionalism.”

For the full audio from Cricket Australia’s announcement, please click here.

© Australian Cricket Players Limited
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
The Australian Cricketers’ Association acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders both past and present.