In a groundbreaking development for Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering rewarding the India women’s cricket team with the same cash prize as their male counterparts if they win the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. As per reports, the BCCI is planning to announce a ₹125 crore reward for the women’s team should they clinch their maiden World Cup title, a move that would mark a historic step toward equal pay in Indian sports.
The idea of equal reward is being widely praised as a progressive and much-needed recognition of women’s cricket in India. Ahead of the grand final against South Africa on November 2, the Women in Blue have already made the nation proud with their stellar campaign, which included a thrilling semi-final victory over Australia. Jemimah Rodrigues’ match-winning knock, along with contributions from senior players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana, has brought the team within touching distance of history.
A senior BCCI official, speaking to India Today, shared that the board is keen on ensuring that the women’s team receives equal appreciation for their efforts. “The BCCI supports equal pay for men and women, and hence there is a lot of discussion that if our girls win the World Cup, the reward will not be anything less compared to the men’s global triumph,” the official stated. The comment reflects a major cultural shift in how women’s cricket is viewed, from being an underfunded sport to a field of national pride deserving of equal reward and respect.
Historically, women cricketers in India have not enjoyed the same financial recognition as the men’s team. When India reached the final of the 2017 Women’s World Cup, each player received ₹50 lakh, a gesture that was appreciated but far below the men’s reward for their global victories. A potential prize of ₹125 crore in 2025 would therefore be the biggest financial incentive in the history of Indian women’s cricket, and a strong signal that the BCCI is committed to bridging the pay gap.
Beyond the numbers, the move carries deep symbolic weight. It’s not just about financial equality; it’s about celebrating effort, resilience, and the evolution of women’s cricket in India. Over the years, the women’s team has inspired millions through their performances, breaking barriers and redefining the sporting narrative. This proposed reward, if implemented, would serve as a validation of their contribution to Indian cricket and a message that their achievements are equally significant.
Such a decision could also have broader implications for Indian sport. Equal pay for women’s cricketers would not only boost player morale but also encourage more young girls to pursue professional sports. It would set a benchmark for other sports federations in India, urging them to re-evaluate how women athletes are compensated. Moreover, it could attract more sponsors, investors, and media attention toward women’s cricket, fueling its commercial growth and global reach.
As India prepares for the 2025 World Cup final, the stakes couldn’t be higher, not just for the trophy, but for what it represents. A win could trigger one of the most powerful moments in Indian sporting history: the dawn of true equality in reward and recognition. Even before the result is decided, the BCCI’s willingness to consider such a monumental step has already sent a wave of optimism through fans and players alike.
If India lifts the Women’s World Cup 2025, it won’t just be a victory on the field; it will be a victory for equality, progress, and the spirit of Indian cricket. The dream of ₹125 crore in rewards may soon turn into a defining symbol of how far women’s cricket has come, and how much brighter its future looks from here.
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