Players at the Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka will compete for a record prize pot of $13.8 million, eclipsing the men’s competition for the first time. The tournament begins on 30 September with the co-hosts, India and Sri Lanka, meeting in Guwahati.
The new figure represents a dramatic rise in investment, with the 2022 edition in New Zealand offering just $3.5 million in total prize money.
Announcing the increase, International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah said: “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. Women’s cricket is on a remarkable upward trajectory, and with this step we are confident the momentum will accelerate.”
The champion of the 13th Women’s ODI World Cup will collect $4.48 million, with the runner-up receiving $2.24 million. Both losing semi-finalists will take home $1.12 million each. Every team will receive a guaranteed $250,000 for reaching the group stage, with an additional $34,314 awarded for each group-stage win.
Australia, the defending champion, lifted the trophy in Christchurch in 2022 after defeating England in the final. That match symbolised a turning point for women’s cricket, but the new prize pool underscores the rapid acceleration of the sport’s global profile.
With the stakes higher than ever, this year’s tournament is set to be the most lucrative and closely followed Women’s World Cup to date.
