The ICC has announced that the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will feature equal prize money for the first time in the tournament’s history.
The move marks a major step forward in the fight for gender equality in sports, with prize money for women’s cricket now on par with that of their male counterparts.
During its annual conference in July 2024, the ICC decided to award the champions of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a prize of USD 2.34 million, the same amount that the men’s T20 World Cup winners received earlier this year.
This represents a 134% increase from the USD 1 million Australia took home after winning their sixth title in the 2023 edition.
Major Boost in Prize Money
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to be hosted in the UAE, will see the runners-up pocket USD 1.17 million. This figure is also a 134% hike from the USD 500,000 awarded to South Africa when they reached the final on home soil in 2023.
Even the semi-finalists will benefit from this historic decision. The two teams that bow out at the semi-final stage will each earn USD 675,000, a major leap from the USD 210,000 they received in 2023.
The total prize pool for the tournament has skyrocketed to nearly USD 7.96 million, marking a 225% jump from the previous edition’s USD 2.45 million.
Equal Prize Money Across ICC Events
This edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup not only breaks ground with equal prize money but does so nearly seven years ahead of the ICC’s original 2030 schedule.
“This move aligns with our broader strategy to prioritize the growth of women’s cricket,” said an ICC representative.
“The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is the first ICC event to achieve prize money parity. Teams will now receive equal prize money for equivalent positions across both men’s and women’s tournaments.”
The ICC made it clear that although the total prize money for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be slightly higher, it’s due to the format—10 more teams and 32 additional matches in the men’s edition.
However, for equivalent finishing positions and individual game wins, the prize money will be identical.
Group Stage Incentives Increased
During the group stages of the Women’s T20 World Cup, winners of individual matches will earn USD 31,154. Moreover, teams eliminated before the semi-finals will now share a prize pool of USD 1.35 million.
This is a substantial increase from the 2023 pool of USD 180,000, which was divided equally among teams.
Teams finishing third or fourth in their group standings will take home USD 270,000 each, while the teams finishing fifth will earn USD 135,000.
ICC Tweaks Schedule for October 5 Double-Header
In addition to the prize money announcement, the ICC has also made a minor adjustment to the tournament schedule. On October 5, Australia will now face Sri Lanka in the afternoon match in Sharjah, while Bangladesh will take on England in the evening game.
A Landmark Move for Women’s Cricket
This bold move by the ICC is set to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket globally. With such significant prize money at stake, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be not only historic but also one of the most competitive editions ever.
The introduction of equal prize money for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will inspire a new generation of women cricketers and signifies a new era for gender equality in sports.
By making this change ahead of schedule, the ICC has shown its commitment to leveling the playing field in cricket.
