Record $4.48m prize purse on offer as ICC Women's World Cup 2025 roars into life

Defending champions face a field transformed

The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is officially under way, with defending champions Australia headlining what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament. This edition, however, is about far more than silverware — teams are battling for rewards and prize money on a scale never seen before in the women's game.

With live scores, results and updates flowing in from the tournament, the focus is already shifting to the unprecedented financial stakes attached to the title, a reflection of the rapid growth and landmark changes sweeping women's cricket on and off the field.

Winners to pocket $4.48 million

The winning side will take home a staggering $4.48 million (over ₹39 crore), a record prize purse that organisers hope signals a new era for the sport. The landmark figure underscores how far women's cricket has travelled, with growing broadcast deals, packed stadiums and deeper investment transforming the landscape of the game.

India's squad: new faces in, Verma out

India's squad features the likes of senior batter Smriti Mandhana, all-rounder Deepti Sharma and rising batter Pratika Rawal, who has pushed her way into the national setup on the back of eye-catching performances. The selection also carries a notable headline: hard-hitting opener Shafali Verma misses out on the final squad, a decision sure to provoke debate among supporters as India chase their first World Cup title in the top tier of the women's game.

With the tournament promising drama, record rewards and a genuine battle for supremacy, all eyes will be on Australia's bid to retain their crown — and on the challengers lining up to take it from them.