ICC Sets Record $13.88m Prize Pool for Women’s Cricket World Cup
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a groundbreaking increase in prize money for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, setting the total purse at $13.88 million.
The figure marks the highest in the history of women’s cricket and surpasses the $10 million awarded at the men’s World Cup in 2023.
The upcoming tournament, scheduled to take place from September 30 to November 2, 2025, will be hosted primarily in India, with Sri Lanka staging matches involving Pakistan due to scheduling and security considerations.
The opening fixture between India and Sri Lanka will be played in Guwahati.
According to the prize distribution plan, the champions will receive $4.48 million, a significant increase from the $1.32 million earned by Australia in the 2022 edition.
The runners-up will claim $2.24 million, while each losing semi-finalist will receive $1 million. For the first time in the tournament’s history, all eight participating teams are guaranteed a base payout of $250,000, ensuring financial benefits even for the lowest-ranked side.
The ICC has also introduced a per-match win bonus during the group stage, designed to heighten competitiveness and reward consistent performance throughout the tournament.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the decision as a historic milestone in the council’s efforts to strengthen the women’s game. “This is more than just prize money. It demonstrates our commitment to investing in women’s cricket, creating opportunities, and ensuring that players are rewarded in ways that reflect the growth of the game,” he said.
The announcement comes at a time when women’s cricket is enjoying rapid growth, with rising global viewership, new sponsorship deals, and the successful launch of franchise leagues such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India.
Analysts believe the new prize structure will further boost the commercial appeal of the women’s game, making it more sustainable for players and national boards alike.
With higher financial stakes and global attention, the 2025 Women’s World Cup is set to be the most competitive edition yet, positioning women’s cricket at the forefront of the sport’s future.
