Sports are meant to put everyone on the same page; be it on the basis of talent, merit or even wage structure. Of late, a former New Zealand cricketer, Peter McGlashan has pointed out a significant wage difference in the domestic cricket. He said a cricket-commentator gets paid a lot more than a women’s team player. Meanwhile, he revealed this statement following a Twenty20 double-header in Auckland on Sunday.
There should be equality in the pay-structure – McGlashan
On Sunday, the Eden Park Outer Oval featured a double-header. First, the Auckland Aces hosted Otago Volts; later women’s final between Wellington Blaze and the Canterbury Magicians took place. While doing the commentary for Radio Sport, Peter pointed out the difference in the pay structure. He said that he’s pocketing more than a woman cricketer playing on the field.
So it turns out I gave @Mitch_Savage a pay rise,he only got $575 4 his game yesterday,no meal allowance prob because it was home game. My bad ?Also @sophdevine77 may hv got $55 as it was an away game, $45 is home games 4 @Wgtn_Blaze I think so only $525 diff or 91% pay gap ?
— Peter McGlashan (@PeterMcGlashan) January 20, 2019
He further added Aces and ex-New Zealand pacer, Mitchell McClenaghan had bagged $575 on Sunday. While White Ferns and Wellington star, Sophie Devine was paid $55; after earlier stating McClenaghan made $850.
“The men’s winning team in the same competition in a couple of weeks’ time will earn $80,000… and yet Liz’s team walk home tonight with a medal and a trophy,” he said after Elizabeth Perry and the Blaze players celebrated their victory which didn’t include any additional prize money.
“Yes they got to play on TV and their families get to watch them on TV but you can only promote this equality Super Smash double header, giving the women and the men equal opportunity if you actually follow it through.”
However, the crowd was there to support both the game. Not only they gathered to watch the men’s final, which Auckland won in a close contest; but the crowd also stayed till the women’s final didn’t get concluded.
We understand we’re not making money for our association – Frankie Mackay
As Wellington won the final by four wickets, Canterbury captain, Frankie Mackay said she understands women aren’t making money for the associations.
“We as women cricketers we’re really understanding. We don’t earn the money we know that, we don’t bring in the sponsorship deals and people in through the gates paying for their tickets as well. We understand we’re not making money for our associations,”
“The chance to play these games whether it’s before or after the men has been fantastic and I really must commend all the associations in New Zealand Cricket and the men’s teams as well for having such a short gap between the games. That’s the most important thing, not have hours between them. That half an hour turnaround means people do stay on.”
“When you put us on good wickets, good outfields, the cricket is of a really high standard so I guess it’s been awesome to showcase that and open a few the eyes of a few people who might have had a negative view of women’s cricket or might have had no idea at all.”