ICC Announces Record Prize Money for WTC Final 2025; Winner to Take Home USD 3.6 Million
As the countdown to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 begins, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed a massive hike in prize money for the marquee event. The grand finale, set to be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from June 11 to 15, will feature defending champions Australia and South Africa, with both teams aiming to secure Test cricket’s most coveted prize—the ICC Test Mace.
Biggest Prize Pool in WTC History
The winner of the WTC Final 2025 will receive a staggering USD 3.6 million, which is more than double the prize money awarded in the previous editions. In contrast, New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023) earned USD 1.6 million each as winners. Even the runners-up this year will take home a significantly increased sum of USD 2.16 million, up from the USD 800,000 given in the past.
This substantial increase reflects the ICC’s renewed commitment to elevating the stature of Test cricket amid the growing dominance of T20 leagues worldwide.
“We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end. The championship has showcased remarkable performances, culminating in a final between two exceptional squads,” said ICC Chair Jay Shah.
First WTC Final at Lord’s
For the first time, the WTC Final will be played at Lord’s, often referred to as the “Home of Cricket”. As excitement builds globally, the ICC has released a promotional video featuring legendary and current stars to highlight the prestige of The Ultimate Test.
Australian skipper Pat Cummins expressed his pride at returning to defend their title:
“It’s a great honour for all of us. We’re enormously proud to defend the WTC title at Lord’s. The journey to the final is a testament to all the hard work by the team over the past two years.”
South African captain Temba Bavuma, equally optimistic, said:
“We’re really pleased to have made it. It’s a big opportunity for us to win an ICC title. Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket and the WTC adds a meaningful context to this format.”
WTC 2025 Finalists and Standings Recap
- South Africa finished the league stage strongly with 69.44 percentage points, dominating their home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
- Australia ended with 67.54 percentage points, displaying consistency throughout the cycle.
- India, who led for much of the tournament, settled for third place.
ICC World Test Championship 2025 Prize Money Distribution
| Position | Team | Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Australia/South Africa | 3,600,000 |
| Runner-up | Australia/South Africa | 2,160,000 |
| 3rd Place | India | 1,440,000 |
| 4th Place | New Zealand | 1,200,000 |
| 5th Place | England | 960,000 |
| 6th Place | Sri Lanka | 840,000 |
| 7th Place | Bangladesh | 720,000 |
| 8th Place | West Indies | 600,000 |
| 9th Place | Pakistan | 480,000 |
What’s Next?
With just under a month to go, fans around the world are gearing up for what promises to be an intense clash between two Test powerhouses. Whether Australia lifts their second consecutive title or South Africa claims their first ICC silverware in decades, one thing is certain—the stakes, both in glory and money, have never been higher.
Stay tuned for all updates leading up to the WTC Final 2025. Let the battle for the Test Mace begin!
