ICC Women's World Cup 2025 launches with record $4.48 million prize as Australia defend title

Record prize money underscores growth of women's game

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is being billed as a landmark edition for women’s cricket, with the winner set to take home $4.48 million — over ₹39 crore — in what is described as the biggest prize money ever on offer in the tournament’s history.

Defending champions Australia headline a competitive field as teams battle not just for glory but for rewards never seen before in the women’s game. The edition is being presented as a marker of the rapid growth and landmark changes in women’s cricket.

India squad named with Mandhana and Sharma in line

India’s squad for the tournament features established stars and emerging talent. The side includes Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, with rising batter Pratika Rawal also in the mix. Shafali Verma misses out on selection for the campaign.

The combination of a record prize fund and a deep field led by Australia is expected to raise the profile of the Women’s World Cup further as the 2025 edition gets underway.