Today, the International Cricket Council (ICC) made an official announcement stating that men’s and women’s teams will receive equal prize money at ICC events. Additionally, the ICC has implemented modifications to the over-rate sanctions in Test cricket.
Equal prize money for men’s and women’s Cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced today that men’s and women’s events will have equal prize money. This decision was reached during the ICC Annual Conference in Durban, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the ICC’s goal to achieve prize money parity by 2030, surpassing the original timeline set for this achievement.
Under the new policy, teams will receive equal prize money for their performance in comparable events, regardless of gender. Furthermore, the amount awarded for winning a match at these events will be the same for both men and women. ICC Chairman Greg Barclay expressed his satisfaction with this historic moment, stating, “This is a significant moment in the history of our sport, and I am delighted that men’s and women’s cricketers competing at ICC global events will now be rewarded equally.”
The ICC has been steadily increasing prize money for women’s events since 2017 with the explicit aim of achieving equal prize money. Going forward, winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cups, and U19 World Cups will carry the same prize money as their respective men’s counterparts. This decision reaffirms cricket as a sport for all, valuing and celebrating every player’s contribution equally.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020 and 2023 already witnessed a substantial increase in prize money, with the winners and runners-up receiving $1 million and $500,000, respectively—five times the amount offered in 2018. Similarly, the prize money for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 has been raised to $3.5 million, up from $2 million awarded for the 2017 edition in England.
In addition to equal prize money, each member of the ICC will experience significant funding increases. This is made possible through the implementation of a strategic investment fund dedicated to promoting global growth initiatives aligned with the ICC Global Growth Strategy. ICC Chairman Greg Barclay emphasized the importance of this financial boost, stating, “The success of our media rights and commercial program for our next four-year cycle means we can invest more money than ever before into our sport.” Member nations will receive a base distribution, and additional revenue will be allocated based on their contribution to the global game, both on and off the field. This unprecedented level of investment presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for ICC Members to accelerate growth, engage more players and fans, and enhance competitiveness.
Furthermore, the ICC is extending support to member nations to help them generate sustainable revenue streams and develop the game. New events will now require a minimum of seven local players or Associate Member players, fostering greater participation and diversity. Additionally, the organizing Member will pay a solidarity fee to the Home Board of a player, further contributing to cricket’s overall development and well-being.
This transformative decision by the ICC sets a new benchmark for gender equality in cricket, reinforcing the sport’s commitment to inclusivity and fairness.