England’s women cricketers have had their match fees for internationals increased to equal the fees paid to their male counterparts.

In a statement, the England and Wales Cricket Board says the increase takes effect immediately, beginning with this week’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka.

BBC Sport reports that the change was a recommendation of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report which had found widespread discrimination in English and Welsh cricket.

ECB Chief Executive Officer, Richard Gould, says, “We are currently considering all the recommendations made by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, but equalising match fees is one immediate step we are pleased to make now… However, we know there is still much further to go as we ultimately strive for equality across the game.”

England Women’s Captain Heather Knight says it is “fantastic to see equal match fees for England Women and England Men.”

(Photo credit: England Cricket on Facebook)