New Delhi: India’s women’s cricket team has scripted history by clinching their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Navi Mumbai.
This triumph, ending a 52-year wait, has triggered a financial windfall from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), rewarding the players, coaches, and support staff generously.
The ICC awarded the champions USD 4.48 million (approximately Rs 39.78 crore), part of a record USD 13.88 million tournament prize pool — a 297 percent increase from the 2022 edition, underscoring efforts towards gender parity in cricket.
Amplifying the celebration, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia announced an additional Rs 51 crore bonus, distributed among the squad, the coaching team led by Amol Muzumdar, the selectors, and support personnel, marking the board’s largest such reward to date.
Reports indicate the ICC funds flow through the BCCI for equitable allocation, while the bonus is a direct BCCI gesture. Individual shares remain undisclosed, but media estimates suggest senior players could receive substantial sums, potentially up to several crores each, including extras for captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. Coaching staff may get Rs 3–4 crore, with analysts and physiotherapists earning lakhs to crores.
Tax deductions apply at up to 30 per cent plus surcharges for high earners, reducing net amounts significantly — for instance, a Rs 9 crore award might yield around Rs 6.3 crore post-tax, depending on slabs. This bonanza honours the team’s resilience and elevates women’s cricket’s profile.