Could the ICC Women’s CWC Prize Pool Surpass Expectations with a 200% Increase?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Historic prize pool increase: The prize pool has risen to 13.88 million USD.
- Winners' reward: Champions will earn 4.48 million USD.
- Focus on equality: A commitment to gender parity in sports.
- Empowerment: Aiming to inspire future female athletes.
- Upcoming tournament: Set to take place from September 30 to November 2, 2025.
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the largest-ever prize money pool for the Women’s ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
In a significant increase from the 3.5 million USD (approximately 30 crore rupees) prize money for the previous World Cup held in New Zealand in 2022, the total prize money for the upcoming eight-team tournament will reach 13.88 million USD (around 1,22,51,34,856 crore rupees), marking an impressive rise of 297 percent. This total surpasses the 10 million USD (around 88 crore rupees) prize pool of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup held in India two years ago.
The victorious team of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup will receive 4.48 million USD (around 39 crore rupees), reflecting a 239 percent increase from the prize awarded to Australia for their win in the 2022 competition. The runners-up will claim 2.24 million USD (around 19 crore rupees), a 273 percent rise compared to England's earnings three years ago.
Each losing semi-finalist is set to earn 1.12 million USD (around 9 crore rupees), an increase from the 300,000 USD (around 2.64 crore rupees) awarded in the last edition.
Additionally, every team participating in the group stage is guaranteed 250,000 USD (around 2 crore rupees), with each group stage victory yielding 34,314 USD (around 30 lakh rupees). Teams finishing in fifth and sixth place will each receive 700,000 USD (around 6 crore rupees), while those in seventh and eighth will earn 280,000 USD (around 2 crores and 47 lakh rupees) each.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah stated, "This announcement signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of women’s cricket. The quadrupling of the prize money is a historic achievement that conveys our unwavering commitment to the sport's long-term growth. Our clear message is that female cricketers will be treated equally to their male counterparts when they choose this sport professionally. This upliftment reflects our ambition to host a world-class ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and to inspire future generations of players and fans.
"Women’s cricket is on an extraordinary upward trajectory, and this initiative will help accelerate that momentum. We invite all stakeholders, fans, media, partners, and Member Boards to join us in promoting the women’s game and ensuring it receives the recognition and respect it rightfully deserves," he added.
This increase in prize money aligns with the ICC’s strategy to bolster the growth of women’s cricket, especially following the introduction of pay parity ahead of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup will kick off with India and Sri Lanka clashing in the opening match at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on September 30.