Last Updated on 1 year by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Equal prize money for men & women at ICC events | ICC announces equal prize money for men’s and women’s teams at ICC events

The International Cricket Council (ICC) took to their website and social media handles to announce that both the men’s and women’s teams will now be receiving equal prize money at ICC events.

The same was also revealed by Jay Shah via his Twitter account. Shah is Head of the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) Committee, as well as Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

It was in the ICC Annual Conference, which took place in Durban, South Africa, that the decision was finalised.

ICC achieves goal of equal prize money sooner than 2030 goal

One of ICC’s most significant aims had been to achieve total prize money equality and parity by the year 2030. However, the governing body has achieved the goal well before the estimated year.

Greg Barclay, the ICC Chairman, expressed his happiness and pleasure as he talked about this decision. He believes it is a remarkable moment in cricket history, and rightfully so.

“This is a significant moment in the history of our sport and I am delighted that men’s and women’s cricketers competing at ICC global events will now be rewarded equally,” said Barclay.

Prior to this massive decision, ICC was still making consistent attempts at promoting women’s cricket.

The winners of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 and 2023 received $1 million, while the runners-up received $500,000. This meant a huge five-time increment in comparison to the amounts received by the teams in 2018.

The same pattern could also be observed in the ODI World Cups. The prize money for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 saw a $1.5m rise – from $2m to $3.5m – as compared to the 2017 edition.

Barclay talked about the same, bringing light to the ICC’s efforts directed at achieving their goal, which they now have.

“Since 2017 we have increased prize money at women’s events every year with a clear focus on reaching equal prize money and from here on in, winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will carry the same prize money as winning the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the same for T20 World Cups and U19s too.”

“Cricket is genuinely a sport for all and this decision from the ICC Board reinforces that and enables us to celebrate and value every single player’s contribution to the game equally,” Barclay added.

The move is massive one. Cricket, indeed, is for all. Anyone and everyone can play the beautiful sport, and now, be paid the same as well. With this decision comes added motivation for any young girl willing to pick up a bat or a ball.

It could well be a significant moment in the sport’s history.