The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made history by announcing a record Women’s One-Day World Cup prize money pool of $13.88 million (PKR 3.928 billion) for the tournament to be held in India and Sri Lanka this month. This increase of 297% marks a groundbreaking moment for women’s cricket, significantly raising the bar compared to the last edition in 2022, where the total prize pool stood at just $3.5 million.
This move not only reflects the growing popularity of women’s cricket worldwide but also showcases the ICC’s commitment to promoting gender equality in sports.
A Historic Increase in Women’s One-Day World Cup Prize Money
The jump in the Women’s One-Day World Cup prize money is unprecedented. In 2022, the winning team received $1.32 million. This year, the champions will take home a massive $4.48 million. The runner-up will be awarded $2.24 million, while both losing semi-finalists will secure $1.12 million each.
Such figures indicate how far women’s cricket has come in recent years. With greater global viewership, increased sponsorships, and stronger fan engagement, the ICC has ensured that players are rewarded in line with the growth of the sport.
Distribution of Prize Money Among Teams
The ICC has also created a detailed prize distribution system to benefit all participating teams:
- Winning Team: $4.48 million
- Runner-up: $2.24 million
- Semi-final losers: $1.12 million each
- Group stage wins: $34,314 per victory
- Each participating team: $250,000 minimum participation fee
- Fifth and sixth place: $700,000 each
- Seventh and eighth place: $280,000 each
By rewarding not just the top four but all eight teams, the ICC has ensured that every nation feels the financial benefits of competing in the tournament.
Why the Record Women’s One-Day World Cup Prize Money Matters
This surge in financial rewards is more than just a headline figure—it represents a turning point for women’s cricket globally. For years, women players have advocated for fairer pay and recognition. Although parity with men’s cricket has not yet been achieved, this leap shows clear progress.
The raised Women’s One-Day World Cup prize money sends an important message: women’s cricket is no longer a side event. It is a central part of the global cricket calendar and deserves equal attention from fans, media, and sponsors alike.
Tournament Overview: India and Sri Lanka to Co-Host
The 2025 Women’s One-Day World Cup will begin on September 30 and run across iconic venues in India and Sri Lanka. Eight top teams will compete in the month-long tournament. With both nations having strong cricketing traditions and passionate fan bases, the event promises to be one of the most widely watched editions in history.
India, in particular, has seen a dramatic rise in women’s cricket viewership. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) drew millions of fans, signaling strong interest in the women’s game. Hosting the World Cup in South Asia is expected to further boost audience numbers and media coverage.
Impact on the Growth of Women’s Cricket
The ICC’s decision to allocate record Women’s One-Day World Cup prize money will inspire a new generation of female cricketers. For young girls dreaming of playing at the highest level, the message is clear: women’s cricket now offers not only pride and prestige but also financial stability and recognition.
Sponsors are also likely to invest more in women’s tournaments, given the increasing returns and visibility. Broadcasters, too, will benefit from the rising demand for live coverage, which further strengthens the revenue cycle for women’s cricket.
Towards Equality in Global Cricket
While this increase is a landmark step, cricket still has a way to go before achieving full pay parity between men’s and women’s tournaments. For instance, the men’s Cricket World Cup in 2023 had a prize pool of $10 million, but the distribution was tilted heavily toward the winners, with fewer incentives for lower-ranked teams. The women’s edition, with its structured prize allocation, sets a positive example for inclusive growth.
In the coming years, the ICC is expected to continue working toward narrowing the gender gap in cricket. The surge in Women’s One-Day World Cup prize money is a strong foundation for building a fairer and more balanced future.
The announcement of a record $13.88 million Women’s One-Day World Cup prize money marks a defining chapter in the history of women’s cricket. With higher rewards, better visibility, and growing fan support, the tournament is set to inspire millions worldwide. Beyond the numbers, it symbolizes progress, equality, and the unstoppable rise of women’s cricket on the global stage.
