ICC announces record prize money for Women’s Cricket World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced a major increase in prize money for this year’s Women’s 50-over World Cup.

With the announcement, the tournament has become financially more lucrative than the 2023 edition of the men’s event held in India.

The winners will take home $4.48 million, a significant rise from the $1.32 million that Australia received after winning the 2022 Women’s World Cup. The amount also surpasses the $4 million prize awarded to Australia’s men’s team when they lifted the World Cup in India last year.

“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,” ICC chairman Jay Shah said in a statement.

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“Our message is simple: women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally. Women’s cricket is on a remarkable upward trajectory, and with this step we are confident the momentum will accelerate.”

The overall prize pool for the tournament has been set at $13.88 million, a huge jump from $3.5 million in 2022, and greater than the $10 million at the 2023 men’s event. Each of the eight competing sides will be assured a minimum of $250,000.

The 13th Women’s World Cup will open with India taking on Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30. Matches will be staged at five venues across India, while Pakistan’s fixtures will be held in Colombo. The tournament will conclude with the final on November 2.