In a groundbreaking move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday that the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2025 will feature a record prize pool of $13.88 million—outstripping the men’s edition by more than one-third.
The announcement marks a significant leap from the $3.5 million prize money in 2022, and even eclipses the $10 million total purse of the last men’s World Cup, cementing the ICC’s commitment to elevating women’s cricket on the global stage.
Landmark Growth for Women’s Cricket
The 13th edition of the women’s 50-over showpiece, scheduled to begin on September 30 in India and Sri Lanka, will be the richest women’s cricket tournament in history. Calling the increase “monumental,” ICC chairman Jay Shah hailed the development as a defining milestone in the sport’s journey.
“This four-fold increase in prize money is a landmark moment for women’s cricket,” Shah said. “Our message is simple: women cricketers must know they will be treated on par with men if they choose this sport professionally.”
Prize Money Breakdown
The winners of the 2025 Women’s World Cup will claim $4.48 million, a staggering 239% increase compared to the $1.32 million Australia received after winning the 2022 edition in New Zealand.
The runners-up will pocket $2.24 million, nearly four times the $600,000 awarded to England three years ago. The remaining prize pool will be distributed among the other participating teams based on their tournament progress.
Tournament Schedule and Hosting
The event will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, with the opener featuring India against Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Pakistan, however, will play all their matches in Colombo as part of a neutral-venue arrangement designed to accommodate political sensitivities in multi-nation tournaments.
The final is scheduled for November 2 and will be held in either Mumbai or Colombo, depending on whether Pakistan qualify for the title clash.
With a record-breaking prize purse and historic attention, the 2025 Women’s World Cup is poised to become a transformative event for the women’s game worldwide.
