With the much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s less than a month away, the International Cricket Council has announced a record-breaking prize pool for the 2023–25 cycle. The one-off clash between South Africa and Australia will not only decide the kings of red-ball cricket but also offer the biggest financial incentive in WTC history.
The total prize purse for this edition has been set at a staggering USD 5.76 million—more than double the amount awarded in the previous two finals. The winner will walk away with a whopping USD 3.6 million, a significant leap from the $1.6 million awarded in 2021 and 2023. Meanwhile, the runner-up will take home USD 2.16 million, compared to the earlier prize of $800,000.
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South Africa were the first to seal their spot in the final, topping the WTC standings after a consistent campaign that featured series victories over Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, along with a drawn home series against India.
It’s exciting to announce that the winner of the #WTC25 Final between South Africa and Australia will earn $3.6M, with the runner-up to receive $2.1M. The increase in prize money exhibits our efforts to prioritize Test cricket and build on momentum from previous WTC cycles. @ICC pic.twitter.com/GMgWxM7GSb
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) May 15, 2025
Australia, on the other hand, secured their berth following a dominant 3-1 series win over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their road to Lord’s also included a home whitewash against Pakistan and away victories in New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
ICC Chair Jay Shah hailed the upcoming final, saying, “This has been a gripping WTC cycle, with the finalists confirmed only toward the very end. It’s a testament to the high standard of Test cricket being played globally. We now look forward to a fitting finale at Lord’s.”
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South Africa will be eyeing their first-ever ICC title in this format, while Pat Cummins-led Australia aim to become the only team to lift the WTC mace twice. All eyes will be on Lord’s for what promises to be a historic showdown.
