Women’s cricket is gaining popularity and recognition among cricket lovers around the globe and in a major boost to close the pay gap, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced equal prize money for both men and women at the ICC events.
The decision was made during the ICC’s Annual Conference held in Durban, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in ICC’s effort to achieve prize money parity by 2030.
This milestone will see teams receive equal prize money for finishing in similar positions at comparable events as well as the same amount for winning matches at those events.
“This is a significant moment in the history of our sport,” said ICC chair Greg Barclay.
“I am delighted that men’s and women’s cricketers competing at ICC global events will now be rewarded equally.”
This will be applicable in all formats of cricket including the Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cup or Under-19 World Cup tournament.
The ICC has been working towards equal prize money since 2017 and prize money has been increased in women’s competitions every year.
The winners and runners-up at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 and 2023 received $1 million and $500,000 respectively, which was five times the amount offered in 2018.
The prize money for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, too, rose to $3.5m from the $2m that was awarded for winners of the 2017 edition in England.
In a path breaking announcement, the ICC also implemented new rules across various formats of the game, as well as large investment for member nations.
“The success of our media rights and commercial programme for our next four-year cycle means we are able to invest more money than ever before into our sport,” Barclay said.
Each member of the ICC will also receive substantial increases in funding, thanks to the implementation of a strategic investment fund dedicated to promoting global growth initiatives aligned with the ICC Global Growth Strategy.
