In a landmark move that signals a seismic shift in Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a historic ₹51 crore cash reward for the Indian women’s team following their triumphant win at the India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The announcement, made just days after the team defeated South Africa in the final, marks the largest financial recognition ever given to a women’s sports team in the country .
This windfall—combined with the ICC’s prize purse of USD 4.48 million (approximately ₹37.2 crore)—means the total reward pool exceeds ₹88 crore, a figure that not only celebrates victory but redefines equity in Indian sports.
Breaking Down the ₹51 Crore Reward
According to BCCI sources, the reward structure is designed to honor both collective success and individual excellence:
- Team Bonus: ₹30 crore distributed equally among players, support staff, and coaching personnel.
- Captain’s Recognition: Harmanpreet Kaur receives an additional ₹5 crore for leadership.
- Player of the Tournament: Deepti Sharma awarded ₹3 crore.
- Emerging Player: Shafali Verma granted ₹2 crore.
- Support Staff & Backroom: ₹11 crore allocated to physios, analysts, and team management.
Why This Matters Beyond the Money
While the numbers are staggering, the real impact lies in the message: women’s cricket is no longer secondary—it’s central to India’s sporting future. For years, female athletes have played with passion despite unequal pay, limited media coverage, and fewer sponsorship opportunities. This reward flips the script.
“This isn’t charity,” said BCCI Secretary Jay Shah in the official press release. “This is investment—in talent, in equity, and in the next generation of Indian champions.”
Global Context: How India Compares
| Country | 2025 Women’s WC Win Bonus (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| India | ₹51 crore (~USD 6.1 million) |
| Australia | AUD 2.5 million (~USD 1.6 million) |
| England | GBP 1.2 million (~USD 1.5 million) |
| New Zealand | NZD 1 million (~USD 600,000) |
India now leads the world in prize recognition for women’s cricket—a powerful statement ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
What Players Are Saying
Harmanpreet Kaur called the reward “a dream we didn’t dare speak aloud.” Meanwhile, young gun Shafali Verma said, “This means my little sister can chase cricket without fear.” Deepti Sharma added, “It’s not just about us—it’s about every girl watching from a village ground.”
A Ripple Effect Across Indian Sports
Observers predict this move will pressure other sports federations—football, hockey, athletics—to reassess gender equity in rewards and infrastructure. Already, the Ministry of Youth Affairs is reportedly drafting a “Women in Sports Equity Framework” inspired by the BCCI’s action.
Sources
Times of India: “Rs 51 Crore Windfall! BCCI Announces Historic Reward”
ICC Official Prize Money Announcement – Women’s World Cup 2025
BCCI Press Release: “Equity and Excellence in Indian Cricket”
ESPNcricinfo: “How India’s Reward Compares Globally”