When the Indian women’s cricket team lifted the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup trophy after a thrilling win over South Africa, the entire nation erupted in joy. It was a historic night — the women in blue brought home glory that united every Indian, proving that their dedication and talent could conquer the world. But amid all the celebrations, an old video of legendary cricketer Mithali Raj has gone viral — and it paints a shocking picture of what women’s cricket used to be like just two decades ago.
In the resurfaced clip, Mithali reveals that back in 2005, Indian women cricketers were paid only ₹1000 per match, even after finishing as World Cup runners-up. Her words remind us how far women’s cricket in India has come — from fighting for recognition to now standing shoulder to shoulder with men in pay and respect.
🏏 Mithali Raj’s Old Interview Shocks Fans
An old interview of Mithali Raj with The Lallantop has resurfaced online amid India’s 2025 World Cup triumph, and it’s leaving everyone speechless. In the clip, Mithali candidly talks about how women’s cricket was structured before it came under the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
When asked about match fees and contracts, Mithali said something that stunned many:
“Annual contract to tha hi nahi… There were no match fees, hume koi match fees nahi tha.”
(“There were no annual contracts. We didn’t even get match fees.”)
Her revelation highlights the struggles women players faced in the early 2000s. They played for passion, not for money — representing the nation while managing with limited resources and little financial support.
💸 ₹1000 Per Match – The Reality of 2005
Mithali went on to share that when India finished as runners-up in the 2005 Women’s World Cup, the entire team received ₹1000 per match — a figure that seems unbelievable today.
“If I’m not wrong, jab hum 2005 runners-up the… we were given ₹1000 per match. We played about eight games.”
That means each player received just ₹8000 for the entire World Cup, a tournament where they represented India on a global stage. At that time, women cricketers often had to fund their own travel or rely on small allowances. Many came from modest backgrounds, yet continued to play for the love of the game.
It’s hard to imagine that the same sport which now offers players crores in contracts once paid its women stars less than what a domestic cab ride across cities might cost today.
👩🏫 From Struggle to Stability – The BCCI Takeover
Things began to change when women’s cricket came under the BCCI in 2006. Before that, it was governed by the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI), which had very limited funds and resources.
Once the BCCI took charge, the structure became more professional. Players began receiving match fees, series contracts, and better travel facilities. Over the years, exposure tours, training camps, and sponsorships also improved drastically.
Mithali noted in the interview:
“Wo to abhi aaya hai when we came under BCCI… shuru hua per series, per game, and recently pay equity aayi.”
(“That all started only after we came under BCCI – per series and per match payments began, and recently, pay equity was introduced.”)
Her words perfectly sum up the transformation — from neglect to equality, from being forgotten to becoming national icons.
⚖️ BCCI’s Landmark Step Toward Pay Equality
One of the biggest turning points came in October 2022, when the BCCI announced equal match fees for men and women cricketers. It was a historic decision that sent a strong message of equality in Indian sports.
Under the new policy, both male and female players earn the same match fees:
- ₹15 lakh per Test
- ₹6 lakh per ODI
- ₹3 lakh per T20I
This move made India one of the few cricketing nations in the world to implement pay parity across genders. At the time, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah stated,
“We are implementing pay equity in Indian cricket. Men and women cricketers will now be paid the same match fees. Equal pay for equal effort.”
The announcement was widely praised across the world — not just as a policy change, but as a statement of respect and recognition.
🏆 The 2025 World Cup Win – A Symbol of How Far Women’s Cricket Has Come
Fast forward to 2025, and the Indian women’s cricket team stands tall as World Champions. Their emphatic 52-run win over South Africa in the final wasn’t just about lifting a trophy — it was about celebrating years of struggle, resilience, and transformation.
Every boundary and wicket in that match was a tribute to the pioneers like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, and others who played when there was no glamour, no big money, and no fame — only a burning love for cricket.
Today’s team, led by a new generation of confident, well-trained players, is reaping the rewards of the foundation built by those legends.
🧠 A Look Back: How Times Have Changed
Here’s a quick comparison of how drastically things have improved for women’s cricket in India:
| Year | Governing Body | Match Fees | Annual Contract | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | WCAI | ₹1000 per match | None | Very limited |
| 2010 | BCCI | ₹20,000–₹50,000 per match | Introduced | Growing awareness |
| 2022 | BCCI | ₹3–₹15 lakh per match | Equal to men’s | National recognition |
| 2025 | BCCI | Equal pay + WC Champions | Full parity | Massive fan following |
This journey from ₹1000 per match to equal pay stands as one of Indian sports’ most inspiring transformations.
🌟 Mithali Raj – The Voice of Change
Mithali Raj has always been more than just a cricketer — she’s a leader, a pathbreaker, and a voice for equality. Her honesty in that old interview is a reminder of where Indian women’s cricket started and how far it has come.
Even after retirement, she continues to inspire young players to dream big and push boundaries. The viral video has not only shocked fans but also sparked admiration for the women who paved the way for the current generation.
💬 Final Thoughts
The resurfaced video of Mithali Raj is more than a throwback — it’s a reflection of change. It reminds us that behind every victory and every celebration, there were years of unseen struggle and sacrifice.
From being paid ₹1000 per match to now earning the same as male players, Indian women’s cricket has come full circle. Their 2025 World Cup victory is not just a sporting achievement — it’s a symbol of hope, equality, and evolution.
Mithali’s words, once spoken quietly in an interview, now echo loudly across the nation — proof that the fight for recognition was worth every run, every match, and every dream.