नवीनतम
WTC Final: ICC unveils record USD 5.76 mn prize pool
NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: With less than a month to go for the ICC World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s, the International Cricket Council on Thursday announced a record-breaking prize pool of USD 5.76 million for the 2023–25 cycle — more than double the amount offered in previous editions.
The champions of the June 11 marquee clash will take home USD 3.6 million, a sharp increase from the USD 1.6 million awarded in both 2021 and 2023, while the runners-up will pocket USD 2.16 million, up from USD 800,000.
To mark the 30-day countdown to the final, the ICC also released a promotional video featuring star players and legends, including South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, pacer Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Australia’s Steve Smith and Travis Head, along with past greats Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar and Ravi Shastri.
ICC Chair Jay Shah said the third edition of the championship was among the most competitive yet. “The finalists were only decided towards the end of the cycle. This final between two exceptional squads will be a true celebration of Test cricket. Fans at Lord’s and around the world are in for a treat,” he said.
South Africa were the first team to book their place in the final after topping the WTC standings, notching up series victories against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and drawing a hard-fought home series against India. Australia sealed their spot with a 3-1 win over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and series triumphs over Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
South African skipper Bavuma said the final represents a major opportunity for the Proteas. “We’re really pleased to have made the WTC Final. It’s a good chance for us to win an ICC title. Lord’s is a fitting venue and the anticipation is building. We’ll be giving it our all against Australia,” he said.
Australian captain Pat Cummins, who led his side to WTC glory in 2023, said the team is relishing the opportunity to defend their title. “We’re proud to be in another WTC Final, especially at Lord’s. It’s a reflection of the hard work put in over two years. We know South Africa will be tough opponents and we’re excited for the challenge.”
India finished third in the WTC standings and will receive USD 1.44 million, followed by New Zealand (USD 1.2 million), England (USD 960,000), Sri Lanka (USD 840,000), Bangladesh (USD 720,000), West Indies (USD 600,000), and Pakistan (USD 480,000).
