What Is the Prize Money for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

With the ICC Men's T20 World Cup returning to the subcontinent for the first time since 2016, expectations around prize money are understandably high. The 2026 edition, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka

from February 7 to March 8, is expected to be among the most commercially significantly tournaments staged by the ICC, fueled by Indian broadcast deals, sponsorship value and sustained fan interest.

As of now, the ICC has not released any official prize money figures for the T20 World Cup 2026. However, reports suggest the totla prize pool could see an approximate 20% increase compared to the 2024 edition.

If those projections hold, the overall fund is expected to rise from $11.25 million (around ₹100 crore) to roughly $13.5 million (around ₹120 crore). Under the same estimates, the champions' cheque could increase from $2.45 million to about $3 million (₹27-28 crore), with corresponding increments across all finishing positions.

Stage	Prize Money (USD)	Prize Money (INR)
Champion	$3,000,000	₹27,47,79,000
Runner-up	$1,600,000	₹14,65,48,800
Losing semi-finalists	$790,000 each	₹7,23,58,470 each
Teams (5-12)	$380,000 each	₹3,48,05,340 each
Participation	$250,000 each	₹2,28,98,250 each

India enter the tournament as defending champions, having lifted the title in 2024, and the financial upside of hosting - even as co-hosts - further strengthens expectations of a larger payout structure in 2026.

T20 World Cup 2024 set record prize money

A financial benchmark for the men's T20 World Cup was set in 2024, when the ICC announced a record prize pool of $11.25 million. The winners received $2.45 million, while runners up earned $1.28 million.

Losing semi-finalists took home $787,500 each, teams finishing between fifth and eighth received $382,500, ninth to 12th earned $247,500 and teams placed 13th to 20th collected $225,500 each, along with additional match-win bonuses.

India, crowned champions after defeating South Africa in the final, earned approximately ₹20.4 crore in prize money - the highest payout in T20 World Cup history at the time.

If the reported 20% hike is confirmed, the 20206 edition is set to establish a new financial high point for the tournament. Until the ICC makes an official announcement, however, all figures for 2026 remain projected, rather than confirmed.