Protea Women's Cricket World Cup prize: ICC. Image- ICC-Cricket.
(The Post News)- Women’s cricket World Cup will feature a record-breaking $13.88 million prize, surpassing the men’s tournament by more than a third.
The sport’s governing body revealed on Monday that the prize pool has jumped from $3.5 million in 2022 to a staggering $13.88 million, surpassing the $10 million awarded at the last men’s World Cup.
Set to kick off on September 30 in India and Sri Lanka, the 13th edition of the women’s 50-over World Cup marks what the International Cricket Council (ICC) calls a “monumental rise” from the 2022 tournament held in New Zealand.
“This announcement marks a defining milestone in the journey of women’s cricket,” said ICC chairman Jay Shah. “This four-fold increase in prize money is a landmark moment and demonstrates our strong commitment to the sport’s long-term growth.”
Former BCCI chief and current ICC Chairman Jay Shah has issued a strong statement on the future of women’s cricket, underlining a growing commitment to gender parity in the sport. “Our message is simple women cricketers must know they’ll be treated equally to men if they choose this sport professionally,” Shah said, following the announcement of record-breaking prize money for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
This year’s tournament will offer an unprecedented $4.48 million to the champions a staggering 239% increase from the $1.32 million Australia received after winning the 2022 edition. The runners-up will earn $2.24 million, up significantly from the $600,000 England was awarded three years ago. The dramatic rise in prize money signals the ICC’s clear intention to elevate the women’s game and provide a platform that recognizes excellence and investment at the same level as the men’s format.
The 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, a 50-over format tournament, kicks off on September 30 and will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The opening match will see hosts India take on Sri Lanka in Guwahati, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark tournament for the women’s game.
In a politically sensitive yet pragmatic move, Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo, following a neutral-venue agreement that allows both India and Pakistan to participate in multi-nation events without playing on each other’s soil. The arrangement maintains competitive integrity while navigating longstanding geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
The tournament will culminate in the final on November 2, which will be held either in Mumbai or Colombo. The final venue will be determined based on whether Pakistan qualifies for the title clash, ensuring a neutral setting if needed.
This edition of the Women’s World Cup represents more than just a sporting contest it stands as a statement of intent. The ICC is not only increasing the financial rewards but also investing in the visibility, professionalism, and long-term sustainability of women’s cricket. The move marks a significant shift in the global cricketing landscape and sends a clear message: the women’s game is no longer playing catch-up it’s stepping into the spotlight.
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