Mithali Raj Reveals Shocking Truth About Women’s Cricket Pay in 2005!

Cricket legend Mithali Raj has revealed a startling detail about the early struggles of women’s cricket in India. Speaking during a recent media interaction, Mithali disclosed that after finishing as runners-up in the 2005 Women’s World Cup, each player was paid only ₹1,000 per match, amounting to roughly ₹8,000 for the entire tournament. Her revelation shocked interviewer Saurabh Dwivedi, who exclaimed in disbelief before Mithali confirmed the meagre payment.

The disclosure highlights how far women’s cricket has progressed since those days. In 2005, women cricketers faced financial hardship and limited recognition, despite their remarkable achievements. Fast forward to today — under BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s leadership — the women’s game has undergone a revolutionary transformation. The ICC recently awarded ₹40 crore to Team India for their World Cup triumph, and the BCCI followed up with a ₹51 crore reward, marking an extraordinary leap from the modest beginnings of two decades ago.

Mithali’s candid confession serves as a reminder of the resilience and dedication of India’s women cricketers, who continued to play for passion rather than financial reward. Their journey from being underpaid and overlooked to achieving global respect mirrors India’s evolving sports culture. With improved pay, better infrastructure, and increasing public admiration, the future of women’s cricket in India looks brighter than ever.