In a magnificent tribute to a groundbreaking achievement in Indian women’s cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declared a staggering Rs 51 crore cash reward. This unprecedented bonus goes to the victorious Indian team, including players, coaches, and support staff, who secured the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 trophy on Sunday in Navi Mumbai. This stands as one of the most substantial recognitions in India’s sporting chronicles.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, in an interview with ANI, lauded the victory as a transformative moment for Indian cricket. He drew parallels to the 1983 World Cup win, stating, “In 1983, Kapil Dev ushered in a new era and immense encouragement for cricket by leading India to a World Cup victory. Today, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team have ignited that same excitement and inspiration. They haven’t just won a trophy; they’ve captured the hearts of every Indian.” Saikia emphasized that this triumph would significantly inspire the next wave of women cricketers, marking a monumental leap for the sport.
Saikia also acknowledged Jay Shah, who serves as ICC Chairman and was formerly BCCI secretary, for his consistent efforts towards fostering gender equality within cricket. “Since Jay Shah assumed his role at the BCCI,” Saikia explained, “he has spearheaded numerous advancements in women’s cricket, notably addressing pay parity. Just last month, as ICC Chairman, he dramatically increased women’s prize money by 300 percent, escalating it from $2.88 million to $14 million. These initiatives have profoundly boosted women’s cricket, culminating in the BCCI’s announcement of a Rs 51 crore prize for the entire team, including players, coaches, and support staff.”
ICC Adds to the Glory with a Rs 39 Crore Prize
Complementing the BCCI’s generous reward, the Indian squad will also receive a substantial USD 4.48 million (approximately Rs 39.78 crore) from the International Cricket Council (ICC). This marks the largest prize money ever awarded in the sport’s history. The overall tournament prize pool of USD 13.88 million (around Rs 123 crore) signifies a remarkable 297 percent increase from the 2022 edition, highlighting the extraordinary global growth and recognition of women’s cricket.
As Harmanpreet Kaur and her courageous team revel in their historic World Cup triumph over South Africa, these dual financial accolades from both the ICC and BCCI serve as a profound testament to their dedication. This recognition celebrates a team that has not only inspired an entire nation but has also indelibly shaped the future of Indian cricket.