What is the prize money for World Test Championship winner and runner-up?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record prize money pool for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final between South Africa and Australia, scheduled to take place at Lord’s from June 11 to 15.The total prize pool for the 2023–25 cycle stands at an unprecedented USD 5.76 million, more than double that of the previous two editions. The champions will receive USD 3.6 million, a significant leap from the USD 1.6 million awarded to the winners in 2021 and 2023. The runners-up will take home USD 2.16 million, also a considerable increase from the USD 800,000 previously allotted.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!ICC Chair Jay Shah praised the intense competition that led to the final, stating, “We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition.” He added, “The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads — a true celebration of cricket.”

South Africa were the first team to qualify for the final after topping the WTC standings, following victories over Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and a drawn home series against India. Australia, the defending champions, secured their place with a 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win over India, in addition to a 3-0 home sweep of Pakistan and series wins in New Zealand and Sri Lanka.Who's that IPL player?In anticipation of the final, the ICC released a promotional video featuring current stars like South Africa’s Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, and Aiden Markram, and Australia’s Steve Smith and Travis Head. Cricket legends Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar, and Ravi Shastri also featured, building momentum for the "Ultimate Test."South African captain Temba Bavuma underlined the significance of the moment: “We’re really pleased to have made the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win an ICC title. Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format of the game.” He added, “Lord’s is a fitting venue for this mega fixture and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia.”

Australian skipper Pat Cummins echoed the pride and excitement: “We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord’s. It’s a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us.”As both teams prepare to battle for the prestigious title and a share of the record prize money, the stage is set for what promises to be an epic showdown at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

ICC World Test Championship prize money: