NZC gives unprecedented support to White Ferns
New Zealand Cricket offered unprecedented backing to the White Ferns as part of November’s mea culpa for the neglect of the women’s game.
Captain Suzie Bates and her side can repay that faith at the World Cup in England starting tonight.
They have every chance of emulating the country’s inaugural victory in 2000.
Proven talents like Bates, Amy Satterthwaite and Sophie Devine will play with one of the best prospects this country has produced in 16- yearold leg- spinner Amelia Kerr.
NZC, and its fanbase, could bene- fit. New Zealand play Sri Lanka in Bristol in the first of seven roundrobin matches before semifinals on July 18 and 20, followed by the final at Lord’s on July 23.
The Cup has taken on new meaning in the cricketing world as sport’s global gender equity gap narrows.
The White Ferns flew businessclass to the event; every match will be broadcast — either on television or live- streamed — for the first time; prize money has risen from US$ 200,000 ( NZ$ 274,505) to US$ 2 million with the winner to receive US$ 660,000. By comparison, the men’s Champions Trophy kitty totalled US$ 4.5 million.
“It’s the first time [ the tournament] feels like it has been in the spotlight,” Bates said at a captains’ media conference.
“It has often gone under the radar but the way the women’s game i s going, there is more media coverage and critiquing of how you go about things. That brings added pressure.”
Few would deny fan interest in the men’s game is the main driver of NZC revenue but, until recently, the lack of investment in women meant inequity was a self- fulfilling prophecy. Nothing accrues nothing.
The ICC has also changed its mindset, as they seek to grow the game.
Almost 18 million views of women’s World Cup qualifier highlights helped, as has increased interest in global female sports like golf, tennis, basketball and football.
A significant income stream is also taking shape for women’s cricketers.
August’s three- year memorandum of understanding between NZC and the New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association saw 15 women awarded annual contracts ranging from $ 20,000 to $ 34,000 with match fees — $ 400 for ODIs and $ 300 for T20Is — and an annual $ 2500 superannuation payment. Top players are contracted to the flourishing Australian and English T20 leagues, and receive endorsement deals.
Bates stressed the White Ferns wanted to avoid the disappointment of last year’s World T20 where they won their pool games but lost the semifinal to eventual winners the West Indies.
“We were too predictable. We played the same batting line- up and used the same bowlers. You can’t do that, no matter how good you think the side is going.
“We have an experienced batting line- up in particular. We’re good enough to win.”