India’s women cricketers scripted history in spectacular fashion, outplaying South Africa to clinch their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup crown—a triumph that sparked nationwide celebrations and ushers in a fresh dawn for women’s cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has applauded the team’s unforgettable feat with a monumental cash prize, while global recognition for women’s cricket reached unprecedented heights with a massive surge in ICC prize money.
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.” The reward recognizes not just the players but the collective effort behind the scenes—a fitting tribute for a team that has lifted the spirits of millions.
Saikia didn’t shy away from crediting the board’s recent leadership for this watershed phase in women’s sport. “Since Jay Shah took charge of the BCCI as secretary from 2019 to 2024, he has implemented many changes in women’s cricket, including addressing pay parity.” These measures have visibly raised the profile of the women’s game, delivering on long-awaited promises and setting the bar for global administrative standards.
The reward on offer from the International Cricket Council stood out in bold relief this time. The Indian team has been awarded a substantial USD 4.48 million (about Rs 40 crore) for winning the World Cup—a stark increase from the USD 1.32 million (around Rs 12 crore) that Australia pocketed after their triumph in 2022. Runners-up South Africa received USD 2.24 million (approx. Rs 20 crore), while each semifinalist walked away with USD 1.12 million (approx. Rs 10 crore).
Highlighting the scale of progress, Saikia remarked, “Last month, ICC Chairman Jay Shah increased the women’s prize money by 300 per cent, raising it from $2.88 million to $14 million. These initiatives have significantly promoted women’s cricket.” The total tournament prize purse reached USD 13.88 million (Rs 123 crore)—almost quadrupling its previous figure and even surpassing the prize pool from the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup, an extraordinary milestone for the women’s game.
As Saikia noted, “In 1983, Kapil Dev ushered in a new era of cricket by leading India to a World Cup victory. Today, the women’s team has created similar excitement. Harmanpreet Kaur and her team have not only won the trophy but also the hearts of all Indians. They have inspired the next generation of women cricketers. Women’s cricket achieved a new milestone when our team triumphed over Australia in the semifinals.”
India began their campaign in style, defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs in Guwahati and Pakistan by 88 runs in Colombo. A tough middle phase followed, with narrow losses to South Africa, Australia, and England, but Harmanpreet Kaur’s side bounced back strongly with a 53-run win over New Zealand, while the clash against Bangladesh ended without a result.
Securing a semifinal berth, India scripted history by chasing down Australia’s 339—the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODI history. In the final at Navi Mumbai, they posted 298 and bowled out South Africa for 246 to claim a 52-run win and their maiden World Cup crown.
With this momentous victory, the Indian women’s cricket team has not only ended the heartbreak of past World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017 but also carved its name in cricket’s hall of fame. Their journey, fueled by resilience and unity, now stands as a beacon for generations to come—a testament to what vision, support, and perseverance can achieve on the world stage.
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