Former India Women’s captain Jhulan Goswami recently expressed her delight at the increased prize pool for the Women’s World Cup. A total of USD 13.88 million in prize money was just announced by the ICC. Notably, USD 4.48 million will be awarded to the tournament’s victors.
Goswami claimed that the effort will provide a substantial boost to women’s cricket and also highlighted that the rise in prize pool will work as a “reassurance” to the parents of aspiring women cricketers to make their daughters to follow the sport.
“I am getting goosebumps. [The increased prize money] is a very good thing. I would like to thank the ICC from my side. The way they have thought of this, I think definitely women’s cricket will get a lot of boost. And for [budding women cricketers’] parents too, it is a reassurance that this sport can be played professionally and taken forward. So, I think this is great news for women’s cricket, and this will definitely motivate all the players as well,” stated Goswami, as quoted by The ICC Review.
The long-term goal of the governing board was clarified by ICC chairman Jay Shah, who also discussed the rationale behind the action.
“This announcement marks a defining milestone in the journey of women’s cricket. 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.”
Jhulan Goswami
The winners and runners-up will get USD 4.48 million and $2.24 million, respectively. Each victory in the group stage phase will provide USD 34,314 in earnings, while the semi-finalists will receive USD 1.12 million. A guaranteed sum of USD 250,000 has been set out for each team. September 30 is the start date of the Women’s World Cup 2025.
