Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday announced a significant increase in prize money for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, with the winners set to receive USD 3.6 million (₹30.79 crore) and the runners-up earning USD 2.1 million (₹17.96 crore).
This marks the highest-ever payout in the competition’s history and more than doubles the rewards from the previous edition. The WTC Final will be played between defending champions Australia and a resurgent South African side at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11 to 15.
Australia, who clinched the 2023 title by defeating India at The Oval, had received USD 1.6 million (₹13.68 crore) for that triumph. India, led by Rohit Sharma, finished as runners-up and took home USD 800,000 (₹6.84 crore).
It’s exciting to announce that the winner of the #WTC25 Final between South Africa and Australia will earn $3.6M, with the runner-up to receive $2.1M. The increase in prize money exhibits our efforts to prioritize Test cricket and build on momentum from previous WTC cycles. @ICC pic.twitter.com/GMgWxM7GSb
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) May 15, 2025
South Africa secured their spot in the final after dominant 2-0 home series victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They finished the cycle with a 69.44% points percentage, ahead of Australia, who closed with 67.54%.
India, despite leading the table for much of the cycle, dropped to third with 50.00%, missing out on the final for the first time since the championship’s inception.
Australian captain Pat Cummins expressed pride at returning to the WTC Final. “We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord’s. It’s a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final,” he said.
Record figures 💰
The #WTC25 prize pool has been revealed ahead of the Ultimate Test 👇https://t.co/09tsNlB18Z
— ICC (@ICC) May 15, 2025
Full Prize Money Breakdown
The ICC also confirmed prize money for all participating teams based on their WTC 2023-25 standings:
- India (3rd): ₹12.31 crore
- New Zealand (4th): ₹10.26 crore
- England (5th): ₹8.21 crore
- Sri Lanka (6th): ₹7.18 crore
- Bangladesh (7th): ₹6.15 crore
- West Indies (8th): ₹5.13 crore
- Pakistan (9th): ₹4.10 crore
The 2025 WTC Final promises to be a marquee clash between two powerhouses of Test cricket.
