Revenue comes from men's cricket, unfair if women ask for same pay: Mandhana

Star Indian woman cricketer Smriti Mandhana is t bored by a pay cheque lower than her male counterparts as she understands that "revenue which we get is through men's cricket". Mandhana, ICC's woman cricketer of year, touched on contentious issue of pay parity at unveiling of Bata's new range of shoes here on Wednesday. "We need to understand that revenue which we get is through men's cricket. day women's cricket starts getting revenue, I will be first person to say that we need same thing. But right w, we can't say that," she told reporters.

READ | Deobrat's Unbeaten 93 Helps Jharkhand Beat Uttarakhand

'Unfair if women ask for same pay'

male cricketers in top bracket on BCCI central contracts list are entitled to an annual remuneration of Rs 7 crore, while a female cricketer in highest category gets Rs 50 lakh for same period.

"I don't think any of teammates is thinking about this gap because only focus right w is to win matches for India, get crowd coming in, get revenue. That is thing which we are aiming for and if that happens all or things are going to fall in place," she said. 

"And for that, we need to perform. It is unfair on our part to say that we need same pay, it is t right. So I don't think I want to comment on that gap," she added. 

READ |  Might Continue After T20 World Cup If Body Permits: Shoaib Malik

India will play a tri-series before World T20 begins in Australia and Mandhana feels that tournament is important to finalise team composition right for big event next month.

"Most of m ( players) have played in Australia, so I think with India A touring Australia last month, that is also going to be a big help (as) four-five players were part of that team as well.

"But tri-series is going to be a really important tournament, thinking about team composition," Mandhana said. 

READ |  Wasim Akram Completes 30th Anniversary Of Test Century In Australia; Watch Clip

Mandhana said team has been planning for World T20 in last one year.

"...it is quite exciting. Looking forward to playing this World Cup with this team as it is new team with mixture of experienced and new players," she said.

re was a phase in Mandhana's career when she was unable to convert starts and she said she has worked on her shot-selection for better results.

"Kwing that you can play your cover drive, on-drive, play over covers those things used to always be like, should I hit it here or re...I had to limit my shots in ODI format and understand what team needs," she said. 

"One thing he (coach W V Raman) told first try and play 30 overs in ODIs and 12 overs in T20 and you will end up getting a big score. But to get a big score, you need to be re (at crease)...it is helpful to work with Raman Sir," she elaborated. 

Mandhana also said that she idolises Sri Lankan batting great Kumar Sangakkara and men's team skipper Virat Kohli.

READ | 'Profile Picture Vs Reality', BBL Hilariously Trolls Adelaide Strikers Opener Phil Salt