With just 60 days remaining for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Monday announced a record prize pool for the tournament, which will be held across England and Wales.
The total prize money has been increased to US$8,764,615, reflecting a 10 per cent rise from the 2024 edition, where the 10 participating teams shared US$7,958,077. The upcoming tournament will also mark a significant milestone, expanding to 12 teams for the first time in its history.
The champions will receive US$2,340,000, while the runners-up are set to earn US$1,170,000. Both losing semi-finalists will take home US$675,000 each. Teams will also be rewarded for performances in the group stage, with each win fetching US$31,154. Additionally, all 12 teams are guaranteed a minimum payout of US$247,500.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta welcomed the development, highlighting the steady rise of women’s cricket and the governing body’s focus on growing the global game.
“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,” he added.
Alongside the announcement, the ICC also confirmed that the trophy tour has commenced and will travel across Europe in the lead-up to the tournament. The tour begins in London, where the trophy will be showcased at Lord’s Cricket Ground, the venue for the final. The launch will feature a projection of the trophy’s silhouette onto the iconic pavilion, marking the start of the journey.
Following its stop in London, the trophy will visit European nations including the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland, before continuing across host cities in England throughout May to build anticipation for the tournament, which begins on June 12.
The tour will include fan engagement activities at prominent locations such as Millennium Square in Leeds, St Peter’s Square in Manchester, the Bullring in Birmingham, Cabot Circus in Bristol, Guildhall Square in Southampton and Trafalgar Square in London.