Veteran West Indies female cricketer Deandra Dottin. Photo: ICC/SOLARIS IMAGES
By CricketCountry Staff
West Indies Women’s cricketer, Deandra Dottin, has shed light about the discrepancy in payment between men’s and women’s players. She also revealed that she may be compelled to eye for an alternative career if the problem is tackled. Dottin quoted the example for both the team’s payments in the recently wrapped up World T20in India. She criticized the difference and also said that it’s widely discouraging. West Indies men’s side belted US$1.6 million after defecating England in the final whereas the women’s team managed to bag a mere US$100,000. Dottin was disappointed with the disparity and has thought of giving a shot to another employment.
Dottin was quoted in Jamaicaobserver.com while speaking to Barbados Today saying, “Barbados does not really give sportspeople — and from my point of view, women — the recognition and respect they need. We were actually world champions, and a lot of people feel we getting all of this big money and the payment is equal to the men. That is not so.”
Dottin further added saying, “In order for cricket to be better, you need to treat everybody as one. You can’t treat the men at a high level and the women at a much lower level. You (women) only have the fame and the name. We women need to be treated way better than we are being treated — money-wise and respect. Regional male cricketers make more money than West Indies women in cricket.”
Dottin is one of the veterans in the side and has featured in 90 One-Day Internationals and 88 Twenty20 Internationals for West Indies Women’s team.
Dottin is among the 11 West Indies women’s players whose name is mentioned in the West Indies Cricket Board retainer contracts. The contract ranges between US$1,500 and $3,000 per month whereas the men’s contract is from US$100,000 up to nearly $150,000. Dottin also said that if the situation doesn’t improve she will be forced to play cricket as part-time.
“This sort of treatment would discourage anybody from playing cricket. Right now, as a person who plays cricket full-time and loves cricket, I am looking for something else to do. And if what I choose to do brings me more income and makes life better for me, I will play cricket part-time. They will not get my full dedication anymore,” Dottin added.
The above article is reproduced with permission from cricketcountry.com