ICC approves ten-fold increase in Women’s WC prize money

05 May, Dubai

The International Cricket Council has approved to increase the prize money for the Women’s World Cup this year to ten fold from earlier season of 2 lakh dollars to 20 lakh dollars.

The tournament, begins in England next month. In 2013 Women’s World Cup, Australia emerged as the winner grabbing prize money of 2 lakh dollar.

The ICC chief executive, David Richardson, said. “Two million dollars is the first step towards greater parity and recognition. The prize fund for the 2013 edition was just 2 lakh dollar, and this announcement shows a greater level of commitment than ever before.”

“The change will not happen overnight but the women’s game is crucial to the global growth of cricket. There is greater depth in the women’s game and that is leading to increased competitiveness which is what fans want to see,” Richardson said.

“We think the Women’s World Cup this summer will be a turning point in the history of the game. There is growing interest globally in women’s sports and we want cricket to be front and centre of this and lead by example,” he added.

The ICC also announced that for the first time in the event’s history, every match of the Women’s World Cup would be broadcast either on television or live-streamed.

As part of the broadcast, the DRS will be introduced into women’s cricket for the first time. Clare Connor, the chair of the ICC Women’s Committee, said: “I am delighted with the commitment shown to the growth of the women’s game by the ICC.”