India’s long wait came to closure at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 2 as they lifted their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs. The triumph brought not only supreme glory but also unprecedented financial rewards. The drought was over and so began a new chapter for women’s sport in India- one that promised to reach brighter and higher horizons.
What made this win even more special was the gesture from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The governing body had earlier announced a record prize pool, and India’s share as champions stood at USD 4.48 million- an amount that’s actually higher than the entire prize pool of USD 3.5 million in the last Women’s World Cup held in New Zealand in 2022. This year’s total prize money was also USD 3.88 million more than what was on offer at the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in India, where Australia, the eventual winners, took home USD 4 million.
Adding to the celebrations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stepped in with a grand gesture of its own. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, reflecting the pride of a cricket-loving nation, announced a hefty cash prize of Rs 51 crore for the victorious World Cup squad. Saikia confirmed, “BCCI has also announced a prize of Rs 51 crore for the entire team, including players, coaches, and support staff.”
In a proud moment for Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore for Indian pacer Renuka Singh Thakur following India’s historic triumph in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. “The daughters of our country created history by winning the World Cup. A daughter from Himachal Pradesh also played in the World Cup, Renuka Singh Thakur, and she performed well yesterday. On this auspicious occasion, I announce that I am giving Rs 1 crore to her. She has brought glory to Himachal,” said CM Sukhu while speaking to the media. Across six innings in the 2025 World Cup, Renuka picked up three wickets at an impressive economy rate of 4.02, playing her part in India’s dominant bowling performance.
In another heartwarming gesture, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore for young pacer Kranti Gaud, who was part of India’s World Cup-winning squad. “Madhya Pradesh’s daughter Kranti Gaud was also part of the women’s World Cup-winning team. I want to congratulate Kranti and give her an incentive of Rs 1 crore from the state government. I announce to give Rs one crore to Kranti, the daughter of Chattarpur,” said Yadav. The 22-year-old right-arm pacer from Chhindwara played a crucial supporting role throughout India’s title run, finishing with nine wickets in eight innings at an average of 40.11 and an economy rate of 5.73.
The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) also extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, and fielding coach Munish Bali for being a part of India’s historic triumph at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. To honour their remarkable contributions, PCA announced a cash reward of ₹11 lakh each for Harmanpreet and Amanjot, and ₹5 lakh for Coach Munish Bali-the man who transformed India into a world-class fielding unit.
Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s inspirational captain, led from the front with 260 runs in 8 innings at an average of 32.50. Her stunning knock of 89 runs in the semifinal against Australia paved the way for India’s record-breaking ODI run chase, setting up the team’s march to the final.
Amanjot Kaur too made her presence felt with both bat and ball- picking up 6 wickets in 7 matches and taking one of the most crucial catches of the tournament to dismiss South Africa’s skipper in the final. She also hit two vital boundaries in the semifinal that helped seal India’s victory.
Behind India’s sharp and reliable fielding was Munish Bali, the quiet architect who worked tirelessly to ensure the team never let any opportunity slip through their hands.
Adding on to it, the Maharashtra Cabinet also announced a grand cash reward of INR 2.25 crore each for players Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Radha Yadav, along with INR 22.5 lakh for India’s head coach Amol Muzumdar.
Smriti Mandhana, the backbone of India’s batting lineup, had a stupendous tournament, finishing as the second-highest run-getter of the campaign with 434 runs under her belt at an impressive average of 54.25. Jemimah Rodrigues, on the other hand, played an innings of her lifetime in the semi-final against Australia, where she scored a breathtaking 127 runs- arguably one of the finest ever innings in an ODI run chase, also ending the tournament with a remarkable average of 58.40.
Radha Yadav’s brilliance, though limited, with the ball also stood out, her spell of 3 wickets in 6 overs against Bangladesh in the final league stage match proved crucial in ensuring India’s momentum heading into the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, Coach Amol Muzumdar’s journey adds a deeply emotional layer to this victory. Despite scoring over 11,000 runs in first-class cricket, he never got the opportunity to represent India as a player. Yet destiny had other plans- as the man who guided the women’s team to their maiden World Cup title, his name is now forever etched in Indian cricket history.
The Andhra Pradesh government has given a big reward to Telugu cricketer N. Shree Charani for being part of India’s World Cup-winning women’s cricket team. She will get ₹2.5 crore in cash, a government job, and land to build a house. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy said that she will be made a Group 1 officer and given a 1,000-square-yard plot in Kadapa. She also gave the Chief Minister a team T-shirt signed by all the players. Throughout the campaign, what stood was 21-year old Charani’s cool and settled temperament- that too on her maiden flagship tournament debut Bowling with accurate line and lengths, she was the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 wickets to her name.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has also announced a cash reward of INR 50 lakh for spin bowling all-rounder Sneh Rana in recognition of her pivtoval and timely contributions to India’s triumphant campaign at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. She played a key role with the ball throughout the tournament. Against the Proteas, she picked up two important wickets- dismissing Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon while giving away just 47 runs. In the clash against Pakistan, she again shone with figures of 2 for 38, removing the ever dangerous and experienced Sidra Amin and wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz. Against Sri Lanka too, in the campaign opener at Guwahati, she drew two scalps for 32 runs from her full quota of overs.
Also, Celebrating the incredible journey of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team and their historic World Cup win, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has gifted each player the iconic first set of Tata Sierra. It’s a special gesture to honour their hard work, spirit, and the pride they’ve brought to the nation- with a car that, just like them, is bold, versatile, and timeless.
India’s big hitter, finisher and wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was celebrated at a special event held at Eden Gardens on Saturday. The West Bengal government recognised her achievements by presenting her with the Banga Bhushan award, appointing her as a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and gifting her a gold chain. She was even gifted a golden bat and a ball, and to add on to the celebrations, CM announced that a stadium in Siliguri would be constructed, named ‘Richa Ghosh stadium’.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) hosted the one-hour felicitation ceremony, where Richa was also presented with INR 34 lakh- an amount calculated as ₹1 lakh for every run she scored in the World Cup final against South Africa.
The Assam government and the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) honoured wicketkeeper Uma Chetry. She played the league stage game against Bangladesh. The government announced an INR 25 lakh cash reward, and the ACA gifting her INR 51 lakh during a grand celebration in her honour.
*Last updated November 11
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