Bangladesh are set to earn $720,000 for finishing seventh in the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, following a significant increase in prize money confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday.
This marks Bangladesh’s most successful WTC campaign to date. The Tigers claimed four victories from 12 Tests in this cycle, including a historic 2-0 away series sweep against Pakistan and a memorable win in the Caribbean over the West Indies. At home, they clinched a Test victory against New Zealand in December 2023.
For comparison, Bangladesh managed just one win across the previous two WTC cycles — that landmark victory coming against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in early 2022. They went winless in the inaugural cycle from 2019 to 2021.
The ICC’s announcement brings a major financial boost for all nine participating teams, reflecting its growing commitment to the long format of the game. The governing body has more than doubled the prize pool, signalling its intention to further elevate the prestige of Test cricket.
Massive paydays await WTC finalists
The upcoming WTC Final — scheduled from 11 to 15 June at Lord’s — will feature defending champions Australia and a resurgent South Africa. The winners will walk away with a record $3.6 million, while the runners-up are guaranteed at least $2.1 million. In contrast, the winners of the previous two editions (New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023) received $1.6 million, with the losing finalists earning just $800,000.
South Africa clinched their place in the final with commanding 2-0 home series wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, finishing with 69.44 percentage points. Australia, close behind, qualified with 67.54 points. India, despite leading for much of the cycle, finished third with 50.00.
ICC Chair Jay Shah praised the intense competition and said the upcoming final would be a fitting climax to another gripping cycle.
“We’ve witnessed a very exciting third cycle of the WTC, with the finalists only confirmed toward the very end. The championship has showcased top-class performances across nations and now culminates in a grand finale at Lord’s — the home of cricket. I wish both teams the very best,” said Shah.
Captains relish Lord’s showdown
Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed pride in his team’s journey and the chance to defend their crown at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
“It’s a great honour for all of us to reach the WTC Final again, especially at Lord’s. Everyone involved over the last two years has worked incredibly hard for this moment. We’re excited for the challenge South Africa will bring.”
South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma echoed those sentiments, describing the final as a golden opportunity to claim an ICC title and reaffirming his team’s commitment to Test cricket.
“Making the WTC Final is a big achievement for us. The format is hugely important, and the championship gives it meaningful context. Playing at Lord’s makes the occasion even more special — we’ll be doing everything to rise to the moment.”
Test Cricket’s future gets a lift
The ICC’s decision to raise the stakes reflects a deliberate move to reinvigorate Test cricket amid growing focus on shorter formats. With prize money now rivalling that of marquee white-ball events, the WTC Final has firmly established itself as a premium fixture on the cricketing calendar.
As anticipation builds ahead of the Lord’s showdown, fans around the globe can expect a high-quality contest between two deserving teams, both hungry for glory — and the mace that comes with it.