ICC Women's World Cup prize money sees 297% increase from previous edition, more than the Men’s World Cup 2023

The champions of the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka will receive the biggest-ever prize money in the history of the tournament. It has been hiked from $1.32 million (Rs 11.65 crore) in the previous edition to $4.48 million (Rs 39.55 crore), the International Cricket Council announced on Monday.

Overall, the eight-team event will witness nearly a three-fold increase in prize money, with the ICC announcing a total prize purse of $13.88 million (about Rs 122.5 crore ) for the mega event.

ICC chairman Jay Shah said that this was a 297% increase from the last edition and more than the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.



"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)."

Meanwhile, the runners-up will now receive $2.24 million (Rs 19.77 crore approx), an increase of 273 per cent in comparison to the $600,000 (Rs 5.30 crore), while the two losing semi-finalists will be richer by $1.12 million (Rs 9.89 crore approx), up from $300,000 (Rs 2.65 crore approx) in 2022) each.

Each group stage win will attract $34,314 (Rs 30.29 lakhs). The teams finishing fifth and sixth will take home $700,000 (Rs 62 lakh approx) each and those in seventh and eighth place will earn $280,000 (Rs 24.71 lakh approx). Each participating team will take home $250,000 (Rs 22 lakh approx).

ICC said the increase is aimed at increasing the popularity of women's cricket worldwide and to bring about a parity with men's cricket.

"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.

"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."

ICC chairman Jay Shah said it was a move to prioritise women's cricket and was a "defining milestone" for the game.

"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 added that the prize money increase underscores the global body's ambition to deliver a world-class Women's Cricket World Cup and to inspire the next 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," Jay Shah.