With the clock ticking down to the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a record-breaking prize money pool for the 2023–25 edition.
The one-off Test between South Africa and Australia, set to take place in June, will not only determine the kings of Test cricket but will also come with historic financial rewards.
The total prize money for the WTC 2023–25 Final stands at a staggering USD $5.76 million — more than double the pool allocated for the last two editions. The ICC confirmed that the winning team will take home USD $3.6 million, a dramatic increase from the USD $1.6 million awarded to the champions in 2021 and 2023. Meanwhile, the runners-up will earn a generous USD $2.16 million, up from USD $800,000 previously.
To mark the 30-day countdown to the “Ultimate Test,” the ICC released an electrifying promotional video featuring current stars such as Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Steve Smith, and Travis Head, along with cricketing legends like Shaun Pollock, Shoaib Akhtar, and Ravi Shastri. The video aims to build global excitement ahead of this mega showdown.
South Africa enters the final after an impressive WTC campaign, topping the standings with key series wins against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Australia secured their spot after a 3-1 win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, supplemented by victories over Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
ICC Chair Jay Shah lauded the competitive spirit of the championship, saying: “This cycle of the WTC has delivered incredible cricket. The final promises to be a celebration of the purest form of the game, and this record prize money is a reflection of its growing prestige.”
South African skipper Temba Bavuma expressed his team’s hunger for an elusive ICC title, while Australian captain Pat Cummins called it “an honour” to defend their crown at the iconic Lord’s.
With both sides eyeing cricket’s ultimate Test honour and the highest prize money in the format’s history, the stage is set for a classic finale under the watchful eyes of the ICC and fans worldwide.