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The 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is set for a thrilling finale as South Africa and Australia clash at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11. While India won't be part of the summit clash for the first time in WTC history, they won't go home empty-handed. In fact, thanks to a significant prize pool hike by the ICC to boost interest in Test cricket, India will earn a hefty reward despite finishing third.
India Misses Out on Third Straight Final, But Bags Big Reward
After finishing runners-up in the last two editions of the WTC—losing to New Zealand in 2021 and to Australia in 2023—India failed to make it to the final this time around. A disappointing home whitewash (0-3) against New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia severely dented India’s chances, limiting them to just 50% of the total available points.
Consequently, the Men in Blue ended up third in the points table. However, the consolation comes in the form of a significant financial reward—USD 1.44 million (approximately ₹12.30 crore)—a considerable jump from the USD 450,000 (₹3.84 crore) they received in the previous cycle.
Record-Breaking Prize Pool for WTC 2023-25
This edition of the WTC has witnessed the largest prize pool in its history, a move by the ICC to enhance the prestige of Test cricket. The winner of the WTC final will take home a massive USD 3.6 million (₹30.76 crore)—more than double the prize of the last edition. The runner-up too will receive a handsome USD 2.16 million (₹18.45 crore).
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Who Gets What? Full Prize Money Breakdown
1st Place (Winner of WTC Final): USD 3.6 million (₹30.76 crore)
2nd Place (Runner-up): USD 2.16 million (₹18.45 crore)
3rd Place (India): USD 1.44 million (₹12.30 crore)
4th Place (New Zealand): USD 1.44 million
5th Place (England): USD 960,000
6th Place (Sri Lanka): USD 840,000
7th Place (Bangladesh): USD 720,000
8th Place (West Indies): USD 600,000
This marks a sharp increase from the 2021-23 cycle, where the prize money for teams outside the top three was significantly lower—sixth to ninth-placed teams only received USD 100,000 each.
While India will be disappointed to miss out on competing for the mace, the increased prize money offers a silver lining. With the WTC evolving into one of cricket's most prestigious championships, all eyes will now be on the final showdown at Lord’s as Australia and South Africa battle for Test supremacy and a record payday.
