ICC announces record-breaking prize pool for Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will feature record prize money, surpassing previous editions and even outshining the men’s event, marking a new era for women’s cricket.

Australia Women's Team (Image Credit: ICC)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a groundbreaking step for women’s cricket by unveiling record prize money for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup. The announcement not only signals a commitment to gender equality but also sets a new benchmark by surpassing the prize pool of the 2023 Men’s World Cup.

For decades, women’s cricket has battled perceptions of being a “secondary sport” compared to the men’s game. However, in recent years, the women’s game has grown at a rapid pace, drawing packed stadiums, global television audiences, and increasing commercial interest. The ICC’s latest decision reflects this momentum, ensuring that women cricketers are financially rewarded in a way that matches their rising stature.

Under the new structure, the tournament winners will receive an unprecedented sum, while the runner-up and semi-finalists are also guaranteed significant earnings. Importantly, the revised system also distributes prize money more equitably across all participants. Teams finishing outside the top four will still take home considerable amounts, and even group-stage victories will come with financial rewards. This approach ensures that every team has a tangible incentive, not just those who progress to the knockout rounds.

What makes this announcement historic is its comparison to past events. The prize pool is almost four times larger than what was on offer in the 2022 edition, and for the first time, it exceeds the purse of the men’s World Cup. This leap reflects both the commercial success of women’s cricket and the ICC’s vision to promote equal opportunities.

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ICC Chairman Jay Shah described the move as a “landmark moment” that will inspire the next generation of female cricketers. By creating parity in prize distribution, the ICC hopes to send a clear message: choosing cricket as a profession is as rewarding for women as it is for men.

The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup will be hosted across multiple venues in India, with some matches also set to take place in Sri Lanka under the hybrid hosting arrangement. The tournament begins on 30 September 2025, with the final scheduled for 2 November 2025. With record prize money, global attention, and rising talent, this edition promises to be the most exciting in the history of women’s cricket.

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