The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, set to be played between defending champions Australia and high-flying South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11. The total prize purse of USD 5.76 million (approximately Rs 49.27 crore) was a significant increase from previous editions.
Speaking about the announcement, ICC Chair Jay Shah said, “We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition.
“The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads – a true celebration of cricket.
“I am sure spectators at Lord’s, along with fans tuning in from all over the world, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when Australia and South Africa take the field less than a month from now. On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in their preparations for the prestigious match.”
In a major financial boost to the Test format, the ICC confirmed that the WTC 2023–25 champions will take home a staggering USD 3.6 million (around Rs 30.8 crore), more than double the prize awarded to previous champions. In contrast, the runners-up will receive USD 2.16 million (around Rs 18.5 crore), a substantial hike from the USD 800,000 awarded in the previous two finals.
“The champions will walk away with USD 3.6 million, a significant jump from the USD 1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023,” an official ICC release stated.
