The International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a groundbreaking step towards gender equality in sports by announcing that the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will offer equal prize money to both men and women. This historic decision, made at the ICC Annual Conference in July 2023, marks a significant milestone in the fight for equal pay in major sporting events.
The tournament, scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will award the winners a staggering $2.34 million, a 134% increase from the $1 million won by Australia in 2023. The runners-up will receive $1.17 million, also a 134% rise from the $500,000 awarded last year.
This prize money equality initiative aligns with the ICC’s strategic goal of prioritizing the women’s game and fostering its growth by 2032. Teams will now earn equal prize money for similar finishing positions in corresponding events and for match wins.
Each group stage win will earn teams $31,154. The six teams not reaching the semi-finals will share a pool of $1.35 million based on their finishing positions. Third and fourth-placed teams in each group will receive $270,000, while the fifth-placed teams will get $135,000. All participating teams are guaranteed a minimum of $112,500.
This prize increase is in line with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 prize fund of $3.5 million. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will commence on October 3 with a match between Bangladesh and Scotland at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The ICC’s decision to offer equal prize money in the Women’s T20 World Cup is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of women’s sports. It is a significant step towards breaking down gender barriers and creating a more equitable playing field for all athletes.
