The ICC has unveiled a record prize pool for the next Women’s T20 World Cup, setting the total pot at INR 82 crore (USD 8,764,615). The 12-team event will be staged in England from June through July 2026, with the showpiece match scheduled at Lord’s. This edition represents a 10% increase over the previous Women’s T20 World Cup, which took place in the United Arab Emirates in 2024. The last tournament was won by New Zealand and featured 10 teams, and the 2026 competition will expand that field by adding two more sides.
For context, the prize money for the 2024 tournament stood at USD 7,958,077 (around INR 74 crore). Now, the ICC has confirmed that the overall figure for 2026 will rise to USD 8,764,615 (about INR 82 crore). The winners are set to receive USD 2,340,000 (approximately INR 21.8 crore), while the runners-up will take home USD 1,170,000 (around INR 10 crore). Each losing semi-finalist will earn USD 675,000 (approximately INR 6.29 crore), and a team’s reward for a group-stage win will be USD 31,154 (about INR 29 lakh).
Alongside the top-end payouts, the ICC also stated that every team will be guaranteed an assured minimum prize amount of USD 247,500 (around INR 2.06 crore), ensuring that all 12 participants receive a baseline return from the competition.
Tournament format and schedule
According to the tournament plans, the Women’s T20 World Cup will begin with the hosts England opening their campaign against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 12. The 12 teams will be split into two groups of six. Group A includes India, Australia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Pakistan and the Netherlands. Group B consists of England, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Scotland, the West Indies and Ireland.
India’s campaign is set to start on June 14, when they face Pakistan. Before the competition reaches its climax in London, the Women’s T20 World Cup trophy will make stops across host cities, with Scotland scheduled as the first venue from May 7 to May 10.
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted the significance of the expansion and the prize pool, saying the growth of women’s cricket is continuing to accelerate and that adding two teams alongside a record pot reflects the ICC’s commitment to developing a stronger and more competitive global game. He added that the increased investment and opportunities for women’s cricket are underscoring the rising influence and impact of female athletes worldwide, and that the tournament is expected to drive new attendance and viewing milestones across the sports and media ecosystem while leaving a broader socio-cultural impression beyond the boundary ropes.
