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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced an impressive prize money pool for the 2023–25 edition of the World Test Championship (WTC). double the amount awarded in the previous two editions.
The total prize pool for the WTC 2023-25 Final stands at $5.76 million, which is more than double the amount awarded in the previous two editions.
The champions of the WTC will receive USD 3.6 million, a significant increase from the $1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023.
The runners-up will earn $2.16 million, up from $800,000 in the earlier editions.
To mark the 30-day countdown to the Ultimate Test, the ICC released a promotional video featuring key players such as South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, ace pacer Kagiso Rabada, Proteas star Aiden Markram, and Australian talisman Steve Smith, along with Travis Head.
The video also includes appearances from former greats like Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar, and Ravi Shastri, building excitement for the upcoming clash.
South Africa topped the WTC25 standings, becoming the first team to secure a spot in the final at Lord’s, thanks to series victories over Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, along with a drawn home series against India.
Australia secured their place in the final with a 3-1 triumph over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, complemented by a 3-0 sweep of Pakistan and away series wins against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
ICC Chair Jay Shah commented on the announcement, stating, “We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition. The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads – a true celebration of cricket. I am sure spectators at Lord’s, along with fans tuning in from all over the world, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when Australia and South Africa take the field less than a month from now. On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in their preparations for the prestigious match.”
Both captains are focused on achieving glory at Lord’s, with South Africa aiming for their first ICC title, while Australia seeks to make history as the tournament’s first two-time champions.
South African captain Temba Bavuma expressed his excitement, saying, “We’re really pleased to have made the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win an ICC title. Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket, and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format of the game. Lord’s is a fitting venue for this mega fixture, and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia. The anticipation is increasing with less than one month to go, and I am sure fans around the world will be following the fortunes of both teams come June 11.”
Australian captain Pat Cummins added, “We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord’s. It’s a testament to all those involved over the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us. We very much look forward to getting together again in England in just a few weeks’ time and the challenge South Africa will present at the home of cricket.”
