The International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s global governing body, announced Monday that the prize money for the Women’s World Cup will surpass the men’s edition by over a third, with a total purse of $13.88 million.
This prize pot is a significant increase from the $3.5 million awarded in 2022 and outstrips the $10 million total for the last Men’s World Cup. The ICC called the prize money a “monumental rise” from the previous women’s tournament in New Zealand three years ago. The 13th edition of the women’s 50-over showcase is set to begin on September 30 in India and Sri Lanka.
“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 for women’s cricket and reflects our clear commitment to its long-term growth.”
Shah, the former chief of India’s cricket board (BCCI), stated: “Our message is simple: women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally.”
The winners of this year’s Women’s World Cup will receive $4.48 million, a 239% increase from the $1.32 million awarded to Australia in 2022. The runners-up will get $2.24 million, compared to the $600,000 won by England three years ago.
Co-hosts India will face Sri Lanka in the tournament’s opener in Guwahati. As part of a compromise deal that allows both India and Pakistan to play at neutral venues in multi-nation tournaments, Pakistan will play all its matches in Colombo. The final will be held on November 2, either in Mumbai or Colombo, depending on whether Pakistan makes it to the championship match.
