The global governing body for cricket has announced a four-fold increase in the prize money for the forthcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup.
With less than a month remaining before the commencement of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, the International Cricket Council has revealed an astonishing increase in the prize money for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka.
The total prize money for the eight-team prestigious tournament amounts to $13.88 million (US Dollars) – an extraordinary increase of 297 percent from the $3.5 million awarded at the previous edition held in New Zealand in 2022.
The overall prize pool surpasses that of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup held two years prior in India, which featured a total prize fund of $10 million.
This announcement is in accordance with the ICC’s strategy to enhance the development of women’s cricket, and a decision to implement pay parity was revealed in advance of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
The champions of the 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup are set to be awarded prize money totaling $4.48 million, reflecting a remarkable 239 percent increase from the $1.32 million that was granted to Australia in 2022.
In addition, the runners-up will be entitled to $2.24 million, which marks a significant increase of 273 percent compared to the $600,000 that England received three years prior. Each of the two losing semi-finalists will also take home $1.12 million, a rise from the $300,000 awarded in 2022.
Every participant in the group stage is assured a minimum earning of $250,000, while each victory in the group stage will reward the winners with $34,314. In the latter half of the final standings, the teams that finish in fifth and sixth place will each receive $700,000, whereas those in seventh and eighth positions will earn $280,000.
“This announcement signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of women’s cricket,” stated ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
“The quadrupling of prize money represents a significant milestone for women’s cricket and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to its sustained development.
“Our message is clear: women cricketers should be assured that they will receive equal treatment to their male counterparts if they pursue this sport as a profession.
The Women’s Cricket World Cup of 2025 is set to begin on September 30, featuring a match between India and Sri Lanka in the inaugural game held in Guwahati.