New Delhi/London: ICC World Test Championships (WTC) Finals between India and New Zealand will get a reward of $ 1.6 million (about ₹ 13.3 crore). However, this amount is less than the Champions Trophy to be held in 2025, with the winner expected to get $ 4.5 million (₹ 38 crore). The ICC has recently raised the award amount of tournaments.
WTC 2023 final prize money
1. winner: $ 1.6 million (₹ 13.3 crore)
2. Runner-up: $ 800,000 (₹ 6.6 crore)
3. Team Ranking: India got $ 500,000 (₹ 4.1 crore) when topped in the league stage.
Champions Trophy 2025 reward
Winner: $ 4.5 million (₹ 38 crore)
Runner-up: $ 2.25 million (₹ 18.7 crore)
Semifinalist: $ 1.1 million (₹ 9.2 crore) each
Group stage win: $ 500,000 (₹ 4.1 crore) per match
India-New Zealand record
WTC 2021: New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets in the final.
Bump in 2023: India dusted NZ 2–0 in the league stage.
Final team: Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Jaspreet Bumrah vs Kane Williamson, Trent Bolt.
Why increased prize money?
ICC's new strategy: 80% of the earnings from tournaments between 2024-2031 will be given to teams and players.
Media Reports: Board (BCCI, NZC) can give separate bonuses to their players.
Virat Kohli's statement
"The WTC final is not just for money, but for the country to win. The pain of 2021 is still, this time we will take the trophy."
Cricket experts opinion
Harsha Bhogle: "The ICC has taken the right step by increasing the prize money. Test cricket will be encouraged."
Sachin Tendulkar: "The Champions Trophy 2025 reward is large, but the trophy is the biggest inspiration for the players."
Preparation of Indian team
Spin Friendly Pitch: Ashwin-Jadeja's role on the pitch of Oval, London.
Paes Attack: Bumrah-Shami pair will have to fall heavily on NZ's openers.
New Zealand's challenge
Ken Williamson: "We want to redeem the big opportunity again like 2021." Trent Bolt: "It will be a challenge to stop India's top order."
Source: ICC press release, BCCI statement, and espncricinfo reports.