ICC reveals prize money for World Test Championship winner

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed a massive increase in prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) and released a promotional video featuring several past and present stars as the anticipation builds for The Ultimate Test.

The winners of the WTC Final, to be played between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s from 11-15 June, will take home a purse of US $3.6 million, more than double of what New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023) earned after winning the previous two finals.

The losing finalists too will earn more than the earlier top prize money, assured of more than US $2.1 million this time. The winners of the previous two editions won US $1.6 million, while the losing finalists got US $800,000.

The increase in prize money exhibits the ICC’s efforts to prioritize Test cricket as it looks to build on the momentum of the first three cycles of the nine-team competition.

The third edition saw South Africa finish on a high with 2-0 home series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, ending with 69.44 percentage points. Defending champions Australia finished with 67.54 points, while India finished with 50.00 after leading the table for much of the time.

ICC Chair Jay Shah wished the finalists the very best as they set their sights on the Test Mace.

“We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition. The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads - a true celebration of cricket," Shah said.

"I am sure spectators at Lord’s, along with fans tuning in from all over the world, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when Australia and South Africa take the field less than a month from now. On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in their preparations for the prestigious match” he added.

Good opportunity for us to win an ICC title: Temba Bavuma

Both captains too looked forward enthusiastically to playing at Lord’s, which hosts the WTC Final for the first time.

Australian captain Pat Cummins said: “We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord’s. It’s a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us.

“We very much look forward to getting together again in England in just a few weeks’ time and the challenge South Africa will present at the home of cricket.”

South African captain Temba Bavuma said: “We’re really pleased to have made the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win an ICC title.

“Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format of the game. Lord’s is a fitting venue for this mega fixture and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia.”

“The anticipation is increasing with less than one month to go, and I am sure fans around the world would be following the fortunes of both teams come 11 June.”

ICC World Test Championship prize money