Record $14.9m prize pool up for grabs when White Ferns defend T20 World Cup

The White Ferns will play for a record prize when they defend their T20 World Cup in England and Wales.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a total prize pool of US$8,764,615 ($14.9m), a 10% increase from the 2024 competition, with the winners set to take home US$2.34m ($3.99m).

This increase largely comes from the expansion of the June contest from 10 to 12 teams, while there will be 30 group stage matches, 10 more than last time.

All participating teams are guaranteed to receive at least US$247,500, more than double the minimum guarantee in 2024.

ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta said the tournament’s expansion and the money up for grabs shows the council’s commitment to women’s cricket.

“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,” Gupta said.

The White Ferns look to defend their T20 World Cup title and take home a record monetary prize. Photo / Photosport

“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.”

The White Ferns played for a total prize pool of US$7.95m when they won their first World T20 title at the 2024 UAE tournament, which itself was an increase from US$2.45m at the 2023 women’s T20 World Cup.

The White Ferns beat South Africa to claim their maiden Women's T20 World Cup. Photo / Photosport

The increase in prize money initially came from an ICC decision to award equal prize money for equivalent men’s and women’s events.

The White Ferns beat South Africa by 32 runs in Dubai to claim their Twenty20 World Cup title, having lost their two previous final trips in 2009 and 2010.

New Zealand triumphed 4-1 in a T20 series over the Proteas this year, with captain Amelia Kerr hitting a century in the final game.

Kerr also put up 179 not out against South Africa this month in a world record chase of 347 to win the match by two wickets.

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