As the Indian women’s cricket team prepares to face South Africa in the Women’s ODI World Cup final at Navi Mumbai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering a monumental cash reward for the squad if they win the championship. According to reports, the board is discussing a reward package on par with the Rs 125 crore given to the men’s team following their T20 World Cup victory last year.

The decision, sources indicate, could be aligned with BCCI’s commitment to the “equal pay” policy that was championed by former BCCI secretary and current ICC chairman Jay Shah. “The BCCI supports equal pay for men and women, and there are active discussions about matching the reward amount if the team wins the Cup. However, it wouldn’t be proper to announce it before the victory,” a senior official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

Last year, the Rohit Sharma-led men’s cricket team received the record Rs 125 crore prize after their T20 World Cup triumph over South Africa in the Americas. The recognition included rewards for players as well as coaching and support staff. The potential move to grant the same amount to the women’s side would mark a historic first, underscoring the board’s growing focus on parity and recognition of women’s achievements on the global stage.

Also Read: FIDE World Cup Trophy Renamed Viswanathan Anand Cup to Honor India’s Chess Legend

In contrast, when the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s team narrowly lost to England in the 2017 World Cup final at Lord’s by just nine runs, the BCCI had awarded each player Rs 50 lakh along with significant rewards for coach Tushar Arothe and other backroom staff. Eight years later, the stakes are far higher. If the Indian team triumphs this time, the prize pool could multiply tenfold, positioning this potential reward as one of the largest ever offered in women’s cricket history.

The anticipation around Sunday’s final has reached fever pitch as India looks to secure its maiden Women’s ODI World Cup trophy. Victory at Navi Mumbai would not only mark a defining moment in Indian cricket but could also usher in a new era of equitable recognition and financial reward for women athletes across the country.

Also Read: Jemimah Rodrigues Fulfills Nasser Hussain’s 7-Year Prediction with Historic World Cup Innings