ICC Announces Record Prize Money for Women’s T20 World Cup as Tournament Heads to UAE

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has set a historic precedent by announcing record prize money of £6.04 million ($7.96 million) for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, more than doubling the prize fund from the previous tournament in 2023. This increase is part of the ICC’s ongoing commitment to achieving gender parity in cricket, with equal prize money for both men’s and women’s competitions.

The winners of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will receive $2.34 million (£1.8 million), a 134% rise from the amount awarded to 2023 champions Australia. This landmark decision underscores the ICC’s pledge, made in July 2023, to equalise prize money across all men’s and women’s tournaments.

Greg Barclay, ICC Chair, emphasized the importance of this move, saying, "Cricket is one of the few global sports where equal prize money is now a reality, and this is a significant step in recognizing the talent and impact of women’s cricket on the world stage."

The ICC has mirrored the financial reward given to the men’s competition, with India receiving $2.45 million (£1.8 million) for their victory in the men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. This equal recognition in terms of prize money highlights the growing stature and influence of women’s cricket worldwide.

The tournament, which was originally scheduled to take place in Bangladesh, has been relocated to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to civil unrest in the original host country. Scotland and Bangladesh will contest the opening match on 3 October, while England will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on 5 October.

The competition comes less than two years after Australia won their sixth Women’s T20 World Cup title in South Africa, defeating the hosts by 19 runs in the 2023 final. Australia’s dominance in the women’s game has set the standard, and teams around the world will now look to challenge their supremacy with the added motivation of record-breaking financial rewards.

The ICC’s decision to increase the prize money is part of a broader effort to elevate women’s cricket, with greater investment in development, broadcast deals, and sponsorship. This year’s tournament is set to be a major milestone in the women’s game, with the promise of thrilling competition on the pitch and further progress off it.

As the world gears up for the tournament in the UAE, the stage is set for an unforgettable month of cricket, with the next generation of female stars vying not just for glory but for a share of the sport’s most lucrative prize pool to date.