1 Sep 2025 : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, with the champions set to take home nearly ₹40 crore, the highest-ever in the tournament’s history.
The decision marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket, reflecting the ICC’s commitment to narrowing the gap between men’s and women’s tournaments and boosting the profile of women’s cricket globally. The prize pool for this edition is nearly double that of the previous World Cup held in 2022, signaling an era of greater investment and recognition for women cricketers.
ICC’s Push for Equality
ICC Chairperson Greg Barclay emphasized the importance of the decision, stating:
“This step underlines our commitment to gender equality in cricket. Women cricketers deserve recognition and rewards that match their performances on the global stage.”
He added that the ICC is working toward ensuring parity in prize money across men’s and women’s events by 2030, a move widely applauded by cricketing nations and players.
Breakdown of Prize Money
While the champions will walk away with ₹40 crore, the runner-up team will also receive a substantial share, reportedly around ₹20 crore. Semi-finalists and teams finishing in the group stages will get a fair distribution of the remaining prize pool, ensuring every participating nation benefits financially.
Boost for Women’s Cricket
Cricket experts believe this announcement will encourage more young women to take up the sport professionally. Former Indian captain Mithali Raj praised the move, saying,
“This is a landmark decision that will inspire the next generation of girls to dream big. It shows women’s cricket is finally getting the respect it deserves.”
Economic Impact
The decision is expected to significantly boost sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights for the tournament. With the popularity of women’s cricket soaring — thanks to tournaments like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and increased TV coverage — the World Cup could see record-breaking viewership numbers.
Host and Tournament Details
The Women’s ODI World Cup is set to be hosted in India in early 2026, promising high attendance and a celebratory atmosphere for fans. Stadiums across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi are expected to host key matches, with the final likely to be played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Symbol of Progress
This historic prize money increase is being seen as a powerful symbol of progress for women’s cricket. Analysts believe it will pave the way for better contracts, facilities, and training for women cricketers worldwide.
Summary
ICC announces record ₹40 crore prize for Women’s ODI World Cup champions, doubling previous payouts and marking a major step toward gender equ