The ICC has dramatically raised the financial stakes for the next Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, unveiling a record prize pool of Rs 82 crore for the tournament that begins in two months.
The governing body on Monday confirmed that the overall purse has gone up by 10 per cent compared to the previous edition.
This year’s event will see the field expand to 12 teams — an increase from 10 in 2024 — and will run from June 12 to July 5 at seven venues, with the title clash to be staged at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
In the last tournament held in the UAE, the total prize money was USD 7,958,077 (approximately Rs 74 crore). That figure has now climbed to USD 8,764,615 (around Rs 82 crore), reflecting a 10 per cent rise from the 2024 edition.
Champions at this edition will secure USD 2,340,000 (Rs 21.8 crore approx), with the runners-up taking home USD 1,170,000 (Rs 10 crore approx). Teams that fall at the semi-final stage will receive USD 675,000 (Rs 6.29 crore), and every group-stage victory will be rewarded with USD 31,154 (Rs 29 lakh).
“All 12 participating teams will earn an assured minimum prize pot of USD 247,500 (Rs 2.06 crore approx),” said ICC in a release.
Hosts England will open the competition against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 12.
Australia, Bangladesh, India, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa and the West Indies complete the line-up, with the 33-match tournament scheduled across 24 days.
In the build-up, the T20 World Cup trophy will travel through the host cities before the tour concludes in London, starting with Scotland as the first stop from May 7 to 10.
“The growth of women’s cricket continues to accelerate, and the expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 teams, combined with a record prize pool, underlines our commitment to building a stronger, more competitive global game,” said ICC CEO, Sanjog Gupta.
