The sport’s global governing body announced on Monday that the winners of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will receive the largest prize money in the tournament’s history, a huge increase from USD 1.32 million (Rs 11.65 crore) in the previous edition to USD 4.48 million (Rs 39.55 crore).
India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the 13th edition of the international showcase event, which starts on September 30.
With the ICC announcing a total prize pool of USD 13.88 million (about Rs 122.5 crore) for the big event, the prize money for the eight-team competition will nearly triple overall.
“The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced a staggering four-fold increase in prize money for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 to be hosted by India from 30 September to 2 November. The ICC sets a new benchmark for women’s cricket as champions walk away with a record USD 4.48 million in prize money,” said a statement from the global cricket body.
“The overall prize money at the eight-team tournament totals USD 13.88 million, which is a rise of 297 per cent from the USD 3.5 million (Rs 31 crore approx) at the last edition held in New Zealand in 2022. The total prize pot eclipses the prize money at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which had total prize money of USD 10 million (Rs 88.26 crore approx).”
The two losing semi-finalists will each receive USD 1.12 million (approximately Rs 9.89 crore), up from USD 300,000 (approximately Rs 2.65 crore) in 2022. The runners-up will now receive USD 2.24 million (approximately Rs 19.77 crore), a 273 percent increase over the USD 600,000 (approximately Rs 5.30 crore) England received for making it to the final.
The winners of the group stage will get USD 34,314 (Rs 30.29 lakhs). The fifth and sixth-place teams will receive USD 700,000 (about Rs 62 lakh) each, while the seventh and eighth-place teams will receive USD 280,000 (approximately Rs 24.71 lakh). Each winning team will receive USD 250,000, or roughly Rs 22 lakh.
According to the ICC, the action is intended to level the playing field for men’s and women’s cricket and boost the sport’s global appeal.
“The increased prize money aligns with the ICC’s strategy to focus on the growth of the women’s game and a decision to introduce pay parity was announced ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024,” the statement added.
Guwahati, Indore, Navi Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo in Sri Lanka are the five venues where the tournament will be held. The winner will receive USD 4.48 million, which is a 239% increase from the USD 1.32 million (Rs 11.65 crore) given to Australia when they won their seventh title three years ago. At the most recent Men’s World Cup, the victors took home USD 4 million, or around Rs 35.31 crore.
“The increased prize money aligns with the ICC’s strategy to focus on the growth of the women’s game and a decision to introduce pay parity was announced ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.”
According to ICC chairman Jay Shah, it was a “defining milestone” for women’s cricket and a step towards giving it priority.
“This announcement marks a defining milestone in the journey of women’s cricket. This four-fold increase in prize money is a landmark moment for women’s cricket and reflects our clear commitment to its long-term growth. Our message is simple, women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally.”
The ICC statement went on to say that the increase in prize money highlights the organization’s goal of producing a top-tier Women’s Cricket World Cup and motivating the upcoming generation of players and fans.
“Women’s cricket is on a remarkable upward trajectory, and with this step we are confident the momentum will accelerate. We call upon all stakeholders, fans, media, partners, and Member Boards, to join us in championing the women’s game and ensuring it receives the recognition and respect it deserves.”
