BCCI Announces ₹51 Crore Prize for India’s 2025 Women’s World Cup Winners — 4X More Than 2011 Men’s Team Reward
BCCI Announces ₹51 Crore Prize: In a landmark move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a ₹51 crore cash reward for the Indian women’s cricket team following their historic triumph at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The record-breaking prize not only celebrates India’s maiden women’s world title but also underscores a new era of equality and recognition in Indian cricket.
The reward marks a major leap from the ₹13 crore that the men’s team received after winning the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, reflecting the BCCI’s growing commitment to promoting women’s cricket and rewarding excellence on par with men’s achievements.
Historic Achievement: India’s First Women’s World Cup Title
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, culminated in a thrilling final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to clinch their first-ever World Cup title.
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, with stellar performances from Shafali Verma (Player of the Final) and Deepti Sharma (Player of the Tournament), the victory symbolized the culmination of a decade-long evolution in India’s women’s cricket setup.
Following the win, BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah announced the record prize purse of ₹51 crore, calling it a “moment of pride not just for women’s cricket, but for the entire nation.”
BCCI’s Official Statement
In a statement issued from Mumbai, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said:
“The Indian women’s team has created history by winning the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. To recognize their incredible achievement, the BCCI is pleased to announce a cash reward of ₹51 crore for the players and support staff. This is a moment of immense pride for Indian cricket.”
He further added that the decision reflects BCCI’s long-term commitment to gender parity in rewards, match fees, and exposure.
Comparison: 2025 Women’s vs. 2011 Men’s World Cup Rewards
| Category | 2025 Women’s Team | 2011 Men’s Team |
|---|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup |
| Host | India & Sri Lanka | India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh |
| Final Venue | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Opponent | South Africa | Sri Lanka |
| Result | India won by 52 runs | India won by 6 wickets |
| Prize Money (BCCI) | ₹51 crore | ₹13 crore |
| Captain | Harmanpreet Kaur | MS Dhoni |
| Player of the Final | Shafali Verma | MS Dhoni |
| Player of the Tournament | Deepti Sharma | Yuvraj Singh |
The ₹51 crore reward represents nearly a 300% increase over what the men’s team received in 2011, signaling a revolutionary shift in how women’s cricket is valued in India.
Why the ₹51 Crore Prize Matters
Recognition of Women’s Excellence
This unprecedented prize reflects the acknowledgment of women’s cricket as a mainstream sporting success. The players’ journey—from grassroots cricket to world champions—has inspired millions across the country.
Gender Equality in Sports
BCCI’s initiative comes after it equalized match fees for men and women cricketers in 2023, paying both ₹15 lakh per Test, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20I. The ₹51 crore reward strengthens that equality narrative.
Boost for Future Generations
The announcement is expected to motivate young girls across India to take up cricket professionally. Schools, academies, and domestic cricket structures may see a surge in participation.
Public & Player Reactions
Cricketers, celebrities, and fans flooded social media with praise.
- Smriti Mandhana said, “This reward shows how far women’s cricket has come. It’s a proud moment for every girl who dreams of wearing the India jersey.”
- Harmanpreet Kaur thanked the BCCI, calling the gesture “a recognition of years of hard work and belief.”
- Former men’s captain MS Dhoni also congratulated the team, saying, “This generation of women cricketers has changed the face of Indian cricket forever.”
Looking Ahead
The BCCI has hinted that this is only the beginning of larger reforms aimed at enhancing the Women’s Premier League (WPL), grassroots investment, and expanded infrastructure for women’s cricket in India.
The women’s triumph has not only brought home a trophy but also ushered in a cultural shift — one where the women in blue are celebrated as national heroes on equal footing with their male counterparts.
