ICC Confirms Biggest-Ever Prize Money for Women Cricket World Cup

The upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be the most historic edition yet, not only because of the exciting cricket on offer but also due to the record-breaking prize money that has been announced. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a new benchmark for women’s cricket, giving the tournament a financial boost that shows how much the women’s game has grown in recent years.

For the first time ever, the prize pool for the Women’s World Cup will cross the $10 million mark, making it even bigger than the men’s World Cup prize fund of 2023. This is a landmark decision, proving that women’s cricket is being valued on the same level as the men’s game. The total prize pool now stands at a staggering $13.88 million (PKR 3.928 billion), almost four times higher than the $3.5 million that was on offer just three years ago during the 2022 edition.

The tournament, which will feature eight competitive teams, is being jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It officially begins on September 30, 2025, with India and Sri Lanka playing the opening match in Guwahati. Fans around the world are already calling it the “biggest women’s cricket festival ever,” and with such huge prize money on the line, the excitement is at an all-time high.

Record Prize Structure

The ICC has not just increased the overall prize pool but also restructured the way money is distributed. This ensures that every participating team benefits from the tournament.

• The World Cup winners will receive a jaw-dropping $4.48 million (PKR 1.267 billion). This is a 239% increase compared to the $1.32 million that Australia collected when they lifted the trophy in 2022.
• The runners-up will still walk away with $2.24 million (PKR 633.9 million), an amount that alone is bigger than the total prize money from earlier women’s tournaments.
• Both losing semi-finalists will each earn $1.12 million (PKR 316.9 million), ensuring that teams making it to the final four get rewarded handsomely.

Rewards for Every Match

Another major change is that now every single match matters financially. Teams will not only compete for points but also for substantial rewards:

• Each participating team is guaranteed a minimum payout of $250,000 (PKR 70.7 million) just for playing in the tournament.
• Every group-stage victory adds another $34,314 to a team’s earnings, making every win valuable.
• Teams finishing fifth and sixth will earn $700,000 (PKR 198.1 million) each.
• Teams in seventh and eighth place will also get $280,000 (PKR 79.2 million) each.

This kind of distribution ensures that even the teams that don’t go deep into the tournament are still rewarded, giving players a strong financial incentive to perform in every match.

What This Means for Pakistan

For Pakistan’s women’s cricket team, the announcement is especially meaningful. Over the past few years, the Women in Green have shown steady improvement, slowly climbing the ranks in international cricket. They have produced standout players like Fatima Sana, Bismah Maroof, and Nida Dar, who have been working hard to prove themselves against the top teams.

Now, with the ICC offering such massive financial rewards, Pakistan’s women cricketers will not only be playing for pride and recognition but also for a chance to make history by securing life-changing prize money. For a team that has often struggled with limited resources compared to other cricketing nations, this kind of financial boost could help transform the women’s game in Pakistan.

Fans in Pakistan will be eagerly waiting to see how the team performs in this edition. If the Women in Green can reach the knockout stages, it will not only be a proud moment for the country but also a sign that Pakistan is ready to compete with the very best in women’s cricket.

A Tournament That Will Change the Game

The 2025 Women’s World Cup is being seen as a turning point for women’s cricket. By surpassing even the men’s World Cup prize pool of 2023, this tournament sends a clear message: women’s cricket is no longer in the shadows—it is now at the center of the global game.

The decision by the ICC is expected to inspire young girls across the world to take up cricket professionally, knowing that the sport now offers not only recognition but also financial stability. Cricket boards, sponsors, and broadcasters are also likely to invest more in women’s cricket after this announcement, which could lead to bigger leagues, better facilities, and more opportunities for female athletes.

As the clock ticks down to September 30, the anticipation continues to build. With India facing Sri Lanka in the opening match and Pakistan preparing for a strong campaign, this World Cup promises not just thrilling cricket but also a chance to witness history being made—both on the field and in the financial records of the sport.

This is more than just a cricket tournament. It’s a milestone for gender equality in sports, a celebration of women’s talent, and a glimpse into the bright future of women’s cricket worldwide.

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