The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize fund of $13.88 million for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30.
This marks the 13th edition of the women’s 50-over tournament and represents a monumental 297 percent increase from the $3.5m prize pool at the 2022 edition in New Zealand. Significantly, the figure even eclipses the $10m prize purse offered at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup two years ago in India.
Pakistan will play its matches in Sri Lanka under a “hybrid model” after India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
The champions of this year’s event will take home $4.48m — a 239 percent rise from the $1.32m awarded to Australia in 2022. The runners-up will secure $2.24m, more than triple the $600,000 earned by England in the last edition. Losing semi-finalists will collect $1.12m each, compared to $300,000 three years ago.
Every participating team is guaranteed $250,000, with group-stage victories bringing in an additional $34,314 each. Teams finishing fifth and sixth will bag $700,000 apiece, while seventh and eighth place will pocket $280,000 each.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah hailed the announcement as a “defining milestone” in the growth of women’s cricket, stressing that the decision reflects a long-term commitment to parity.
“This four-fold increase in prize money is a landmark moment. Women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally,” Shah said, urging stakeholders and fans to back the women’s game.
The ICC emphasized that the uplift aligns with its broader strategy to elevate women’s cricket globally and inspire the next generation of players and fans.
