DUBAI: With just 60 days remaining until the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicks off in England and Wales, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the tournament.
The total prize fund has been raised to US$8,764,615, marking a 10% increase from the 2024 edition. This surpasses the US$7,958,077 distributed among 10 teams in the previous tournament, as this year’s competition expands to 12 teams for the first time.
The champions will receive US$2,340,000, while the runners-up will earn US$1,170,000. Each losing semi-finalist will take home US$675,000, and teams will be awarded US$31,154 for every group-stage win. Additionally, all participating teams are guaranteed a minimum payout of US$247,500.
ICC Chief Executive Sanjog Gupta welcomed the continued rise of women’s cricket and reaffirmed the governing body’s vision to grow the game globally.
He highlighted that the expansion to 12 teams, along with the record prize money, reflects ICC’s commitment to making women’s cricket more competitive and widely accessible. He also noted that increased investment and opportunities are accelerating the sport’s growth, with female cricketers gaining stronger global influence.
According to Gupta, the tournament is expected to set new benchmarks in attendance and viewership, while also leaving a meaningful impact on the global sporting and cultural landscape.
Meanwhile, the ICC has also launched the official Trophy Tour, which begins today across Europe ahead of the tournament.
The tour starts in London at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground — the venue for the final — where the trophy will be showcased at the Centre of the square, accompanied by a stunning projection on the historic pavilion.
Following its London launch, the trophy will visit European nations including the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland. It will then travel across host cities in England throughout May to build excitement ahead of the tournament’s opening match on June 12.
Fans will get the chance to engage with the trophy at major locations such as Millennium Square (Leeds), St Peter’s Square (Manchester), Bullring (Birmingham), Cabot Circus (Bristol), Guildhall Square (Southampton), and Trafalgar Square (London).
