BCCI likely to hike prize money, equal to men’s team:Plans record reward for India Women’s Team if win ODI World Cup – Report

The Indian women’s cricket team stands on the brink of history as they prepare to face South Africa in the final of the Women’s ODI World Cup in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. A victory would not only bring home the long-awaited trophy but could also earn the players a record financial reward from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to reports, the BCCI is considering a massive cash prize for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team, similar to the amount given to the men’s team after their T20 World Cup triumph last year. The move is in line with the board’s ‘equal pay’ policy, first introduced by former BCCI secretary and current ICC chairman Jay Shah. The excitement and expectations are sky-high as India eyes its first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title. The BCCI’s decision to potentially match the men’s prize money reflects a strong commitment to gender equality and the growing recognition of women’s cricket in India. BCCI likely to hike prize money for Team India Women If India wins the World Cup, the women’s team could receive the same prize amount that the Rohit Sharma-led men’s team got after their T20 World Cup victory a whopping ₹125 crore. The reward would be shared among the players and the support staff, honouring the collective effort that goes into a world championship win. “The BCCI supports equal pay for men and women and hence there are lot of discussions that if our girls win the World Cup, the reward won’t be anything less compared to men’s global triumph. But it isn’t nice to make an announcement before they win the Cup,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity. Also read: Rohan Bopanna announces retirement from tennis: Two-time Grand Slam winner, aged 45 bids adieu to the sport, legend pens emotional post This statement highlights the BCCI’s commitment to treating both men’s and women’s teams with equal respect and recognition. Officials are expected to make a formal announcement only after the final match, to avoid putting undue pressure on the players. From 2017’s loss to 2025’s World Cup final against South Africa The memory of the 2017 World Cup final, where India lost to England by just nine runs at Lord’s, still lingers among fans and players alike. Despite the loss, the team’s performance was widely praised, and each playing member was awarded ₹50 lakh by the BCCI. The then head coach Tushar Arothe and the support staff also received significant rewards. Eight years later, the stage is set for redemption. The current Indian team has shown remarkable consistency and resilience throughout the tournament, defeating strong contenders like Australia and England on its road to the final. A World Cup victory on Sunday would not only be a historic achievement but also a fitting reward for years of dedication and hard work. Also read: Shreyas Iyer discharged from Sydney Hospital, confirms BCCI:India ODI vice-captain to stay in Australia until deemed ‘fit to fly’ A new era for Women’s cricket in India The potential ₹125 crore prize pool, ten times more than what players received in 2017, signals a new era for women’s cricket in India. It reflects the increasing recognition, fan following, and commercial value that the women’s game has earned in recent years. Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, the team has become a symbol of strength, unity, and belief. Players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma have inspired a generation of young girls to dream big and pursue cricket as a career. Also read: India’s past ICC finals ahead of title-decider against South Africa:Women in Blue’s history of heartbreaks- 2005, 2017, 2020 As the final approaches, the Indian women’s team carries not just the hopes of millions of fans but also the promise of equality in Indian cricket. A win on Sunday could mark a turning point, not just in the history of women’s sport, but in the broader story of gender parity in Indian athletics.