ICC Unveils Historic Prize Money for Women’s World Cup Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record prize money pool for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, which will exceed the men’s edition by more than a third. The overall prize fund for the tournament, set to begin on September 30, 2023, in India and Sri Lanka, will amount to $13.88 million, a significant increase from the $3.5 million awarded in 2022 and surpassing the total of $10 million for the last men’s World Cup.

This announcement represents a major step forward for women’s cricket, as the prize money has risen four-fold since the previous edition held in New Zealand three years ago. ICC chairman Jay Shah emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “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.”

The winners of the Women’s World Cup will receive $4.48 million, marking a remarkable 239 percent increase from the $1.32 million awarded to Australia in the last tournament. The runners-up will earn $2.24 million, compared to the $600,000 received by England in 2022. Shah also underscored the ICC’s commitment to gender equality in sports, stating, “Our message is simple, women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally.”

Exciting Tournament Format and Key Matches

The 13th edition of the Women’s World Cup will feature co-hosts India facing Sri Lanka in the opening match, which will take place in Guwahati. The tournament format ensures that all teams will have a chance to compete at high-profile venues, with Pakistan playing all their matches in Colombo. This arrangement allows both India and Pakistan to participate at neutral sites during multi-nation tournaments, promoting a spirit of cooperation.

The final match of the tournament is scheduled for November 2, 2023, and will take place either in Mumbai or Colombo, contingent upon whether Pakistan advances to the title match. The stakes are high, with teams eager to compete for not only the prestigious title but also for a historic prize fund that reflects the growing prominence and recognition of women’s cricket on the global stage.

As the tournament approaches, the ICC’s substantial investment in women’s cricket is expected to inspire greater participation and support for the sport. The record prize money serves as a motivating factor for current and future athletes, paving the way for a more equitable future in cricket.