WTC Final: Record prize money on offer — here's what Team India could take home

WTC Final: Record prize money on offer (Cricket South Africa Photo)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a record-breaking prize fund of USD $5.76 million (INR 49.28 crore) for the 2023–25 cycle, raising the stakes ahead of South Africa and Australia's matchup in the World Test Championship Final at Lord's next month. In contrast to the USD $1.6 million (INR 13.68 crore) given out in the previous two editions, the winner of the final, which is set for June 11, will get USD $3.6 million (INR 30.80 crore). The runners-up would receive USD $2.16 million (INR 18.48 crore), which is an increase from USD $800,000 (INR 6.84 crore).

Team India will get $1.44 million (INR 12.32 crore) for finishing third in the current cycle's WTC points standings.

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Throughout the 2023–25 WTC season, South Africa dominated, putting on strong performances both at home and abroad. With decisive series victories over Pakistan, the West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, the Proteas secured their place at Lord's and finished at the top in the WTC rankings. After losing the first Test, Rohit Sharma's team defeated the Proteas in Centurion, and their two-match series against India finished in a draw.

Australia, on the other hand, reached the summit match after defeating India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With a perfect 3-0 home sweep of Pakistan and significant away victories in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, their campaign was also outstanding.

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In both the 2019–21 and 2021–23 WTC cycles, India advanced to the finals but were unable to take home the championship. In their first final, the team fell to New Zealand, and two years later, they lost to Australia, both in England. Despite being one of the favorites to go to a third straight title match this year, India's chances were harmed by a surprising 0–3 clean sweep at home against New Zealand.