ICC Announces Record $8.7M Prize Pool and 12-Team Expansion for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed a record prize money pool for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be held in England and Wales. The announcement comes 60 days before the tournament begins.

The total fund has been set at US$8,764,615, marking a 10 per cent increase from the previous edition. The ICC also confirmed the competition will expand to 12 teams for the first time.

Prize Structure Confirmed

The tournament winners will earn US$2,340,000, while the runners-up will receive US$1,170,000. Both losing semi-finalists will take US$675,000 each. Every group-stage win will carry a reward of US$31,154.

All participating teams will be guaranteed a minimum payout of US$247,500, ensuring financial returns across the board in the expanded 12-team format.

ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the increase reflects the continued rise of the women’s game and the governing body’s focus on global growth.

“The growth of women’s cricket continues to accelerate, and the expansion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup to 12 teams, combined with a record prize pool, underlines our commitment to building a stronger, more competitive global game,” the CEO said.

“The continued rise of women’s cricket through increased investment and opportunity reflects the growing influence and impact of female athletes on the global stage.

“With that same momentum building across every aspect of women’s cricket, this event is shaping up to not only set a host of new attendance and viewing records in the sports and media ecosystems but also leave a lasting impact on the wider socio-cultural landscape across the world.”

Trophy Tour Begins in Europe

Alongside the prize announcement, the ICC Trophy Tour has also begun. The tour starts in London at the venue of the final, Lord's Cricket Ground, where the trophy will be showcased at the centre of the square with a visual projection display.

The trophy will then travel across Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland before moving through host cities across England in the build-up to the June 12 start.

Key stops include Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Southampton and London as part of a broader fan engagement campaign.