Dubai, April 13 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced an unprecedented prize pool of USD 8,764,615 for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, marking a 10% increase from the previous 2024 tournament.

This record amount exceeds the USD 7,958,077 distributed among the ten teams in the UAE two years ago, as the tournament prepares to expand to 12 teams for the first time. The 2026 edition will see host England compete alongside Australia, Bangladesh, India, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.

The champions will receive USD 2,340,000, while the runners-up will earn USD 1,170,000. Each losing semi-finalist will take home USD 675,000, and victories in group matches will be rewarded with USD 31,154. The ICC has confirmed that all teams will be guaranteed a minimum prize of USD 247,500.

This announcement comes just 60 days before the tournament kicks off on June 12, when England faces Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The event will span 33 matches over 24 days across seven venues, where teams will vie for the prestigious title.

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta stated, “The growth of women’s cricket is accelerating, and the expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 teams, along with this record prize pool, emphasizes our dedication to fostering a stronger and more competitive global game.

“The ongoing rise of women’s cricket through enhanced investment and opportunities showcases the growing influence and impact of female athletes worldwide. With momentum building across all facets of women’s cricket, this tournament is poised to set new attendance and viewership records while making a lasting impact on the broader socio-cultural landscape globally.”

The ICC Trophy Tour is officially underway in England and Wales this summer, commencing Monday and set to travel throughout Europe in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

The Trophy Tour will kick off in London, prominently displayed at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the iconic venue for the final and famously recognized as the Home of Cricket. It will feature a stunning projection—marking the first instance of anything being projected onto the ground's historic pavilion.

The trophy will visit the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland, the tournament's qualified European member nations, before embarking on a comprehensive tour of the host cities throughout May, building anticipation ahead of the tournament's first match on June 12.

Major locations will host fan engagement opportunities across the host cities, including Millennium Square (Leeds), St Peter’s Square (Manchester), Bullring (Birmingham), Cabot Circus (Bristol), Guildhall Square (Southampton), and Trafalgar Square (London).

Tournament Director Beth Barrett-Wild remarked, “The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is on track to be a historic milestone for the sport—expected to be the most attended women’s cricket event ever, with unprecedented ticket demand and a record prize pool for a global women’s T20 competition. This level of investment, along with prize money matching that of the men’s game, powerfully reflects the current status, quality, and global appeal of women’s cricket.

“This ambition guides our preparations for the tournament, with the trophy tour playing a crucial role in reaching new audiences, generating excitement across England and Wales, and showcasing women’s cricket on grand stages as we count down to an unforgettable summer.”

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy will visit the host cities on the following dates:

Scotland: May 7 to 10

Netherlands: May 11 to 14

Ireland: May 15 to 18

Leeds: May 19 to 24

Manchester: May 25 to 27

Birmingham: May 28 to 29

Bristol: May 31 to June 1

Southampton: June 3 to 4

London: June 5 to 8