The winner will get Rs 21.84 crore ($2.34 million), the second place team Rs 10.92 crore ($1.17 million), and the teams that lose in the semi-finals will each receive Rs 6.30 crore. Each win during the first stage of the tournament (the group matches) is worth Rs 29.09 lakh (around $31,154).
Prize pool details and headline figures
Even though the total prize money is up, the top prizes haven’t won’t change from 2024. The ICC is using the extra money to cover the costs for the two new teams in the tournament, and to guarantee a certain amount of money for all teams.
This means the increase in money is benefiting more teams being able to compete, not making the eventual winner or runner-up even richer. The ICC has chosen to focus on helping more countries become good at cricket and having financial security for them, instead of just increasing the prizes for the best teams.
Why winners and runners-up get no extra bonus
Because of the 12-team format, there will be more group games (a total of 33) and each team is now guaranteed at least Rs 2.31 crore ($247,500). Teams will continue to get money for each match they win in the group stage. The addition of two teams also means more money is needed for things like travel and sponsorship, and the extra funds are helping with that. The ICC’s goal is to lessen the difference in money between the strongest teams and those that are still developing, while still giving rewards for winning the main prizes.
Sanjog Gupta, the ICC’s Chief Executive Officer, said this shows they are investing in women’s cricket for the long term. He said that the fact the tournament is expanding and the prize money is a record amount shows they are dedicated to making the sport around the world stronger and more competitive. The ICC wants the tournament to be a way for the sport to grow.
How the extra money is being distributed
This plan connects giving financial help to bigger aims: more teams being involved, better ways for players to improve in their home countries, and having more players that young girls can look up to. By keeping the top prizes the same but increasing the amount all teams receive, the ICC hopes to help more girls and women start playing and make the competition more equal.
The extra money for the smaller nations will be very helpful for their practice, travel, and programs at home. The established teams won’t have a change in the top prizes, and the more teams in the tournament will likely mean they have tougher games.
Strategic rationale and comments from leadership
The tournament will be held at seven different places, and the final will be at Lord’s. Before the tournament starts, the trophy will be taken to each of the cities hosting games, and with more money being put into the tournament, the organizers think more people will come to the games and more news about it will be reported. This could lead to even more money coming into women’s cricket.
