History beckons for Harmanpreet Kaur’s team on two fronts. If India defeats South Africa in Sunday’s Women’s World Cup 2025 final at Navi Mumbai, they won’t just lift their maiden title—they’ll receive a staggering ₹125 crore reward from the BCCI, matching what the men’s team earned for their T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. This groundbreaking equal pay policy represents more than financial parity—it’s a watershed moment signaling that Indian cricket finally values its women champions the same as their male counterparts.
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The Mammoth Reward: Breaking Down the Numbers
According to PTI, BCCI officials have confirmed discussions about matching the prize money awarded to Rohit Sharma’s team after they defeated South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. While the board remains tactfully silent until the trophy is secured, sources indicate the commitment to equal pay is genuine.
| Category | Amount | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Potential BCCI Reward | ₹125 Crore | Matches men’s T20 WC 2024 prize |
| ICC Prize Money (Winner) | Approx. ₹20 Crore | Official tournament purse |
| Total Potential Earnings | ₹145 Crore+ | Combined BCCI + ICC |
| Per Player Share | ₹8-10 Crore (estimated) | Split among squad & support staff |
A BCCI source told PTI: “The BCCI supports equal pay for men and women and hence there are lot of discussions that if our girls win the World Cup, the reward won’t be anything less compared to men’s global triumph. But it isn’t nice to make an announcement before they win the Cup.”
Understanding BCCI’s financial power in cricket provides context for how the board can make such generous commitments that dwarf ICC’s official prize money.
Why This Matters Beyond Money
The ₹125 crore figure isn’t just about rupees—it’s about recognition, respect, and validation. For years, women cricketers fought for equal treatment, from match fees to facilities. This policy shift represents a philosophical transformation in how Indian cricket values its female athletes.
Compare this to previous tournaments:
- 2017 World Cup (Runners-up): Significantly lower rewards
- 2020 T20 World Cup (Runners-up): Improved but still unequal
- 2024: Limited international cricket
- 2025: Potential equality at last
The journey reflects women’s cricket evolution in India, from struggling for recognition to commanding equal financial respect.
The Road to the Final: A Rollercoaster Campaign
India’s path to Sunday’s final has been anything but smooth. After strong starts against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, they suffered three consecutive defeats to Australia, England, and South Africa—making their current position even more remarkable.
India’s World Cup 2025 Journey:
- Group Stage: 2 wins, 3 losses, 1 no result
- Semifinal: Defeated unbeaten Australia
- Current Form: Peaking at the perfect time
Their semifinal victory over Australia—the tournament’s dominant force—proved they can deliver when stakes are highest. That performance earned them this final berth and the chance at both glory and this unprecedented financial reward.
Equal Pay: Long Overdue Recognition
The BCCI’s equal pay stance aligns with global movements demanding parity in sports. While debates continue worldwide about revenue generation differences between men’s and women’s sports, India’s cricket board is making a statement: championship success deserves equal reward regardless of gender.
According to the International Cricket Council, women’s cricket viewership and commercial value have grown exponentially, justifying increased investment and rewards. India’s massive fan base ensures women’s matches now generate significant interest and revenue.
This policy could influence other cricket boards globally. When the world’s richest cricket board commits to equal pay, it sets precedent others may follow. The Board of Control for Cricket in India wields enormous influence, and this decision resonates far beyond Indian borders.
The 2017 Heartbreak: Motivation for Redemption
India’s last World Cup final appearance ended in agonizing fashion—a 9-run defeat to England in 2017. That heartbreak has fueled this team’s hunger for eight years. Many current squad members, including captain Harmanpreet Kaur, remember that pain vividly.
The 2022 tournament brought different disappointment—failure to even reach semifinals, finishing fifth with three wins and four losses. This 2025 campaign represents redemption, resurgence, and the chance to finally complete their unfinished business.
What Victory Would Mean
Beyond the ₹125 crore, a World Cup victory would:
- Inspire millions of young girls to take up cricket
- Validate years of investment in women’s cricket infrastructure
- Cement legacies for players like Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues
- Prove equal pay policies work by celebrating success equally
- Unite a nation that’s waited decades for this moment
Understanding India’s cricket culture reveals why a World Cup victory transcends sport—it becomes a national celebration shared by 1.4 billion people.
The Bottom Line: Win First, Celebrate Later
The BCCI’s careful approach—not announcing rewards before victory—shows wisdom. Players need focus, not financial distractions, during cricket’s biggest match. But knowing their board backs them equally provides powerful motivation.
As Harmanpreet’s team prepares for Sunday’s final at DY Patil Stadium, they carry not just India’s World Cup dreams but also the hopes of every girl who’s picked up a cricket bat. The ₹125 crore reward represents validation that their achievements matter just as much as their male counterparts’.
Now comes the hard part: winning the trophy that’s eluded India for decades. Do that, and the financial reward becomes a well-deserved bonus atop the ultimate prize—a World Cup title and recognition as world champions.
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