Beth Mooney Advocates for Equality in Women's Cricket as She Prepares for The Hundred

Beth Mooney, Australia's opening batter, emphasised the importance of continuing to push for equal pay in global women's cricket. Mooney is set to return to The Hundred, joining Manchester Originals as their marquee international signing, after missing last year’s edition. She was the Originals' first pick in this year's draft, securing a £50,000 contract, a significant increase from the previous top salary of £31,250 but still far below the men's top-tier salary of £125,000.

Mooney acknowledged that while The Hundred has made strides in promoting gender equality, particularly with shared facilities and double-header match days, there is still a long way to go in achieving pay parity. She noted that despite the tournament's efforts, men continue to earn more, highlighting the disparity in earnings even as the women's game grows in exposure and popularity.

Last summer, a report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) suggested that English cricket should aim for equal salaries in The Hundred by 2025. However, the ECB has hesitated to commit to this timeline, citing the current commercial and media value differences between the men’s and women’s games. Mooney agreed that achieving equal pay might not be immediately feasible, acknowledging the significant revenue generated by men's cricket worldwide. Nonetheless, she stressed the need to continue advocating for progress, urging the ICC and national cricket boards to support the development of women's cricket and ensure equal opportunities for players globally.

Reflecting on the growth of women's cricket, Mooney dismissed the notion of a diminishing gap in skill levels between teams, attributing competitive performances to increased playing opportunities. She downplayed concerns about competitive secrets being shared among international players in franchise tournaments, suggesting that the abundance of game footage has minimised such risks. Mooney will be teaming up with England bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Filer at Manchester Originals but does not foresee any issues arising from their collaboration.

Mooney is aware of the high expectations surrounding her participation in The Hundred, especially given her previous standout performance in 2022, where she scored 97 not out for London Spirit against Southern Brave. She expressed a focus on contributing to the team’s success and providing guidance to fellow players, maintaining that while there are expectations, she remains grounded in the unpredictable nature of cricket.

Mooney's return to The Hundred not only highlights her own career achievements but also underscores the broader dialogue about gender equality in sports, particularly in the realm of professional cricket. As the women's game continues to grow, so does the conversation about ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for female athletes on a global stage.