WTC Final Winners to Earn $3.6 Million as ICC Boosts Prize Money

The winners of the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa will take home a record $3.6 million, following a major increase in prize money announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.

The final, scheduled from June 11 to 15 at Lord’s, will also reward the runners-up with $2.1 million—a figure that surpasses even the winner’s prize from the previous editions. In 2023, Australia earned $1.6 million for defeating India, while India took home $800,000 as runners-up.

“The increase in prize money exhibits the ICC’s efforts to prioritise Test cricket,” the governing body said, highlighting its intent to build on the momentum of the WTC’s first three cycles.

Australia’s captain Pat Cummins expressed pride in reaching the final again and said the team was determined to retain their title. “Defending the WTC title at Lord’s is a great honour. Everyone involved over the past two years has worked hard for this,” he said.

South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma emphasized the significance of the match, calling it a chance to secure the country’s first ICC title. “Test cricket remains vital, and the WTC brings context to it. Lord’s is a perfect stage, and we’ll be giving it everything against Australia,” he added.

The high-stakes clash promises a thrilling contest with historic rewards on the line.