In a historic move, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a substantial increase in the prize money for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, setting a new benchmark for women’s cricket globally. The tournament, scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, 2025, will see a dramatic rise in financial rewards for participating teams, reflecting the growing recognition and support for women’s sports.
A Monumental Increase in Prize Money
The total prize pool for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 has been set at USD 13.88 million, marking a staggering 297% increase from the previous edition held in 2022, where the total prize money was USD 3.5 million. This substantial rise underscores the ICC’s commitment to elevating the status of women’s cricket on the global stage.
Breakdown of Prize Distribution
The distribution of the prize money has been structured to reward all participating teams, ensuring equitable recognition of their performances:
Champions: The winning team will receive USD 4.48 million, a significant increase from the USD 1.32 million awarded to Australia in 2022 .
Runners-up: The team finishing second will be awarded USD 2.24 million, up from USD 600,000 in the previous tournament.
Semi-finalists: Each of the two losing semi-finalists will receive USD 1.12 million, a substantial rise from the USD 300,000 they received in 2022 .
Group-stage Victories: Teams will earn USD 34,314 for each group-stage win, incentivizing competitive performances throughout the tournament .
Participation Guarantee: Every participating team is guaranteed a minimum of USD 250,000, ensuring financial support for all competitors .
Surpassing Men’s World Cup Prize Pool
In a groundbreaking development, the total prize money for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 surpasses that of the 2023 Men’s World Cup, which had a total prize pool of USD 10 million. This move by the ICC highlights a significant step towards achieving gender parity in cricket and serves as a testament to the growing prominence of women’s cricket on the international stage.
ICC’s Commitment to Gender Equality
ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasized that this decision is a pivotal moment in the journey of women’s cricket. He stated, “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”.
The announcement aligns with the ICC’s broader strategy to promote gender equality in sports, following the introduction of pay parity ahead of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. By enhancing financial incentives, the ICC aims to attract more talent to the women’s game and provide players with the resources needed to excel at the highest levels.
With the tournament set to commence on September 30, 2025, in Guwahati, India, excitement is building among fans and players alike. The increased prize money is expected to elevate the competitive spirit of the tournament and attract greater viewership, further solidifying the Women’s ODI World Cup as a premier event in the cricketing calendar.
Conclusion
The ICC’s decision to significantly increase the prize money for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 marks a transformative moment in the history of women’s cricket. By surpassing the prize pool of the men’s tournament, the ICC has set a new standard for gender equality in sports. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the participating teams, eager to witness the next chapter in the evolution of women’s cricket.
