The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is set to make history, not just on the field, but in the changing landscape of women’s cricket, thanks to a record-breaking prize money pool of USD 13.88 million.
To be hosted by India and partly in Sri Lanka from 30th September to 2nd November 2025, this tournament heralds a new era for the sport, eclipsing even the men’s prize pool announced for 2023. The monumental 297 percent increase from the 2022 edition’s prize money underlines the International Cricket Council’s commitment to elevating women’s cricket to unprecedented heights.
Former Indian pace legend Jhulan Goswami expressed her heartfelt excitement during her debut on the ICC Hindi Instagram channel’s The ICC Review. Reflecting on the announcement, Goswami said, “I am getting goosebumps. [The increased prize money] is a very good thing.” Her words resonated deeply with the cricketing fraternity and fans alike, encapsulating the landmark moment for women’s cricket globally.
Appreciating the ICC’s forward-thinking, Goswami added, “I would like to thank ICC from my side. The way they have thought of this, I think definitely women’s cricket will get a lot of boost in this.” She highlighted the broader impact beyond the players, emphasising the reassurance this brings to aspiring cricketers and their families: “And for [budding women’s 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 I think this will definitely motivate all the players as well.”
The enhanced prize pool reflects this visionary shift. The champions will pocket a staggering USD 4.48 million, more than doubling the 2022 winner’s share. The runners-up will receive USD 2.24 million, while losing semi-finalists are guaranteed USD 1.12 million each. Even teams finishing fifth and sixth will earn USD 700,000 apiece, with seventh and eighth place teams securing USD 280,000 each. Furthermore, every team participating in the group stage will be awarded at least USD 250,000, with an additional USD 34,414 for each group-stage victory, incentivising every match’s performance.
This landmark prize money hike is a testament to the ICC’s ongoing push for pay parity in cricket, following initiatives announced before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Beyond the numbers, it symbolises recognition, respect, and the promise of professional opportunities for women cricketers worldwide.
The tournament will kick off with a thrilling encounter between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati on 30th September. The tightening contests will lead up to the two semifinals scheduled on 29th and 30th October, culminating in the grand final on 2nd November. As the world’s eyes turn to this marquee event, the record prize money combined with fierce competition promises a landmark celebration of women’s cricket.
Jhulan Goswami’s goosebumps-worthy words echo the sentiment of an entire generation of players and fans. This is more than a game; it is a revolution for women’s sport, fueled by ambition, respect, and now, historic financial recognition.
(Quotes sourced from ICC Official Press Release)
