The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize money pool for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in England and Wales, with the tournament just two months away.
The total prize fund has been set at US$8,764,615, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the previous edition in 2024.
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The ICC said the rise highlights the continued growth and investment in women’s cricket worldwide.
The 2026 edition will also mark a major milestone as the tournament expands to 12 teams for the first time in its history, up from 10 teams in the last edition.
Under the new structure, the champions will receive US$2.34 million, while the runners-up will earn US$1.17 million.
The two losing semi-finalists will take US$675,000 each.
Every group-stage win will also carry a reward of US$31,154, and all participating teams are guaranteed at least US$247,500.
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ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta welcomed the announcement and said the growth reflects the rising global status of women’s cricket.
“The growth of women’s cricket continues to accelerate, and the expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 teams, combined with a record prize pool, underlines our commitment to building a stronger, more competitive global game,” the CEO said.
“The continued rise of women’s cricket through increased investment and opportunity reflects the growing influence and impact of female athletes on the global stage.”
“With that same momentum building across every aspect of women’s cricket, this event is shaping up to not only set a host of new attendance and viewing records in the sports and media ecosystems but also leave a lasting impact on the wider socio-cultural landscape across the world.”
Alongside the prize announcement, the official ICC Trophy Tour has also begun and will travel across Europe in the lead-up to the tournament.
The tour officially started in London, where the trophy will be showcased at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the venue of the final.
The event includes a special visual projection of the trophy on the iconic pavilion.
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The trophy will then travel to the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland before returning to England for an extensive tour across host cities.
In May, it will visit several major fan zones and landmarks, including Millennium Square in Leeds, St Peter’s Square in Manchester, Bullring in Birmingham, Cabot Circus in Bristol, Guildhall Square in Southampton, and Trafalgar Square in London, giving fans multiple opportunities to see the trophy up close ahead of the tournament opener on June 12.
