In what could be a game-changing moment for women’s cricket, multiple sources from top ICC sponsors have leaked that the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 is set to feature record-breaking prize money — the largest in the history of the women’s game. The stunning revelation has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with players, fans, and former stars hailing it as a giant leap towards closing the gender pay gap in cricket.
According to insiders involved with two major ICC sponsors, discussions at recent ICC commercial meetings centered on a proposal to raise the winner’s purse to nearly double the prize money awarded at the 2023 edition. If approved, the 2026 champions could take home close to USD 2 million, with significant increases planned for runners-up and semifinalists as well.
A senior executive from a leading global sponsor confirmed, “There’s a clear push from sponsors and ICC officials to elevate women’s cricket financially. The goal is to show players and fans that the women’s game is no longer an afterthought but a premier product deserving equal investment.”
Social media erupted with excitement overnight, with hashtags like #EqualPayCricket and #WWC2026PrizeMoney trending as fans celebrated the leaked plans. Players across the world, including India’s Jemimah Rodrigues and Australia’s Tahlia McGrath, reportedly welcomed the news privately, calling it a long-overdue recognition of the skill, entertainment, and dedication shown by women cricketers.
Former India captain Mithali Raj praised the move in a radio interview, saying, “This could be a defining moment. Rewarding women cricketers fairly will encourage more young girls to see cricket as a serious career and inspire the next generation.”
However, some industry experts have raised concerns about whether the ICC can sustain such prize pools without robust sponsorship deals and high ticket sales, especially in countries where women’s cricket is still developing. An ICC marketing official admitted, “This is an ambitious plan. To make it work, we’ll need broadcasters, sponsors, and fans to buy into women’s cricket like never before.”
While the ICC has yet to officially announce the prize money figures, insiders say a final decision is expected before the tournament’s qualification rounds kick off next year.
Will the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 become the richest tournament in women’s cricket history — and spark a new era of equality? The cricketing world is watching closely.