ICC Raises Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Prize Pool To Rs 82 Crore With 12 Teams Competing

The International Cricket Council has announced a record prize pool of ₹82 crore for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, marking a significant boost for women’s cricket globally. The tournament, set to be held across England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, will feature 12 teams, reflecting the sport’s growing reach and competitiveness on the international stage.

The total prize money has increased by 10 per cent compared to the previous edition held in the UAE in 2024. In dollar terms, the prize pool now stands at approximately USD 8.76 million, up from USD 7.95 million earlier. This rise underscores the ICC’s ongoing efforts to promote gender parity and invest more heavily in women’s cricket as it continues to gain popularity worldwide.

As per the announced structure, the tournament winners will receive around ₹21.8 crore, while the runners-up will earn approximately ₹10 crore. Losing semi-finalists will take home about ₹6.29 crore each, and every group-stage victory will fetch teams close to ₹29 lakh. Additionally, all 12 participating teams are guaranteed a minimum payout of roughly ₹2.06 crore, ensuring financial rewards across all levels of competition.

Also Read: Mexico Offers to Host Iran's World Cup Matches as US Safety Row Escalates

The tournament will kick off with hosts England's women's cricket team taking on Sri Lanka's women's cricket team at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Other competing nations include powerhouses like the India women's cricket team, the Australia women's cricket team, and the South Africa women's cricket team, along with teams such as Pakistan, New Zealand, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. The 33-match tournament will be played across seven venues over 24 days, culminating in the final at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.

ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta said the expanded format and increased prize pool highlight the rapid growth of women’s cricket and the organisation’s commitment to strengthening the global game. As part of the build-up, the tournament trophy will tour multiple host cities before reaching London, generating excitement among fans ahead of what is expected to be one of the most competitive editions in the event’s history.

Also Read: R Vaishali Draws Level In Candidates Standings Ahead Of Crucial Final Rounds