New Delhi, September 1, 2025 – In a historic move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the biggest-ever prize pool in the history of women’s cricket, setting a new benchmark for gender parity in the sport.
Prize Money Hits $13.88 Million – Bigger Than Men’s 2023 World Cup
The ICC announced that the total prize purse for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will be USD 13.88 million (₹122.5 crore approx) — nearly four times the amount from the previous edition held in New Zealand in 2022.
This is a monumental rise of 297%, and notably, the prize pool even exceeds the USD 10 million offered for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah called it a watershed moment for the women’s game, saying:
In another boost for women’s cricket, there will be a huge increase in prize money for the @ICC Women’s @CricketWorldCup 2025. Overall prize money totals USD $13.88M, a 297% increase from the last edition and more than the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (USD $10M). #CWC25
In another boost for women's cricket, there will be a huge increase in prize money for the @ICC Women’s @CricketWorldCup 2025. Overall prize money totals USD $13.88M, a 297% increase from the last edition and more than the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 (USD $10M). #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/rXtIhFEax5
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) September 1, 2025
“This announcement marks a defining milestone in the journey of women’s cricket. 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. Our message is simple – women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally.”
Breakdown of the Prize Pool
The winner of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will take home USD 4.48 million (₹39.55 crore) – a massive jump from USD 1.32 million awarded to Australia when they lifted the trophy in 2022.
Here’s a quick look at the prize money distribution:
| Position | Prize Money (USD) | Approx. in INR | Growth from 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winners | $4.48 Million | ₹39.55 Cr | +239% |
| Runners-up | $2.24 Million | ₹19.77 Cr | +273% |
| Semi-finalists | $1.12 Million (each) | ₹9.89 Cr | +273% |
| Fifth & Sixth Place | $700,000 (each) | ₹6.2 Cr | – |
| Seventh & Eighth Place | $280,000 (each) | ₹2.47 Cr | – |
| Group Stage Win | $34,314 | ₹30.29 Lakhs | – |
| Guaranteed for All Teams | $250,000 | ₹2.2 Cr | – |
Tournament Details
The eight-team event will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, 2025. Matches will be played across five venues: Guwahati, Indore, Navi Mumbai, Visakhapatnam (India), and Colombo (Sri Lanka).
In a special arrangement, Pakistan will play all their matches in Colombo as part of a “hybrid model” that allows them to avoid traveling to India while still participating in the global tournament.
The opening match will see India face Sri Lanka in Guwahati, while the final will be held either in Mumbai or Colombo depending on Pakistan’s qualification.
ICC’s Push for Growth & Equality
The ICC emphasized that this decision is a part of their long-term vision to grow women’s cricket worldwide and bring financial parity with the men’s game.
“Women’s cricket is on a remarkable upward trajectory, and with this step we are confident the momentum will accelerate,” the ICC statement said.
“We call upon all stakeholders, fans, media, partners, and Member Boards, to join us in championing the women’s game and ensuring it receives the recognition and respect it deserves.”
What This Means for Women’s Cricket
This record-breaking prize money not only boosts the prestige of the Women’s Cricket World Cup but also acts as a powerful message to aspiring players across the globe. With women cricketers now receiving bigger pay cheques than the men’s event, this is a huge leap forward for equality in cricket.
