India’s Women’s Cricket Team created history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title in 2025, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Following this landmark victory, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a massive prize money reward — reportedly up to ₹125 crore — to honor the champions.
This reward recognizes not only the team’s on-field success but also the evolution of women’s cricket under a new era of pay parity and global recognition.
₹125 Crore Reward: The Story Behind the Historic Announcement
According to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, the Indian women’s team will be rewarded ₹51 crore from BCCI’s official fund for their World Cup win. However, earlier reports revealed that the BCCI’s internal discussions suggested a total reward of ₹125 crore, matching the amount awarded to the men’s team after their T20 World Cup victory in 2024.
This amount was considered as part of BCCI’s “Equal Pay, Equal Recognition” initiative led by Jay Shah, the current ICC Chairman and former BCCI Secretary.
The idea behind the ₹125 crore reward was to maintain equality between India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams — ensuring that both receive the same respect and financial recognition for global triumphs.
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Confirmed Rewards from BCCI and ICC
While the ₹125 crore figure was proposed internally, the officially confirmed amount announced by BCCI stands at ₹51 crore, in addition to the ₹39.78 crore (USD 4.48 million) awarded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as the winner’s prize.
This means Team India collectively received nearly ₹90–91 crore in confirmed total rewards, excluding possible bonuses from sponsors or state associations.
Breakdown of Confirmed Prize Money
| Source | Amount (INR) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| BCCI Official Reward | ₹51 crore | To be shared among players, coaches, selectors & support staff |
| ICC Prize Money | ₹39.78 crore | Official World Cup winner’s payout |
| Total Confirmed Reward | ₹90.78 crore | Combined payout from BCCI & ICC |
| Proposed Equal-Pay Bonus (Unconfirmed) | ₹125 crore | Considered internally by BCCI to match men’s reward |
How the ₹125 Crore Distribution Might Be Structured
If the ₹125 crore reward plan is finalized, it is expected to follow the same structure as the men’s team’s T20 World Cup 2024 distribution:
| Category | Approx. Share (%) | Estimated Amount (₹ Crore) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Players (15-member squad) | 70% | ₹87.5 crore | Divided equally among players |
| Coaches & Support Staff | 15% | ₹18.75 crore | Head coach, assistants, physios, analysts |
| Selectors & Team Management | 10% | ₹12.5 crore | National selectors & administrators |
| Backroom & Logistics Staff | 5% | ₹6.25 crore | Ground staff, logistics, and medical units |
This kind of distribution ensures that everyone involved in the team’s success — not just the playing XI — receives recognition for their contribution to the World Cup win.
Jay Shah’s Role and ICC’s 300% Prize Money Increase
A key factor in this record-breaking reward structure is Jay Shah’s leadership. Under his tenure:
- The ICC increased the women’s prize pool by 300%, raising it from $2.88 million to $14 million.
- The BCCI implemented pay parity, ensuring men and women cricketers earn equal match fees.
- The Women’s Premier League (WPL) was launched, creating a professional ecosystem for women athletes.
These initiatives have led to the financial revolution of women’s cricket in India and globally.
National Reaction: Pride and Inspiration
The ₹125 crore reward talk and the ₹51 crore official payout have been praised by players, fans, and officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team, calling the victory “a defining moment for Indian sports.” He added that such achievements inspire the next generation of women to dream big and represent the nation with pride.
Similarly, BCCI officials emphasized that the win has recreated the spirit of 1983, when Kapil Dev’s team inspired millions. “Now, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team has done the same for women’s cricket,” said Devajit Saikia.
Like to know? – Indian Women’s Cricket Team Coaches List
A Turning Point for Women’s Cricket
The combined recognition from the BCCI and ICC — exceeding ₹90 crore and possibly reaching ₹125 crore — marks the highest financial reward ever given to a women’s cricket team in history.
This not only highlights India’s dominance on the global stage but also represents a powerful step toward equality, respect, and financial security for women athletes.
Conclusion
The BCCI’s ₹125 crore reward proposal, along with the confirmed ₹51 crore announcement, shows how far women’s cricket has come in India.
With record-breaking prize pools, increased pay parity, and growing national support, the 2025 Women’s World Cup victory is more than just a sporting achievement — it’s a symbol of empowerment and equality for every aspiring cricketer in the country.
