Despite a valiant effort and a hard-fought battle in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against South Africa, Australia walked away with a substantial sum of Rs 18.63 Crore (USD 2.16 million). This considerable prize money underscores the International Cricket Council's (ICC) commitment to rewarding excellence in Test cricket and acknowledges Australia's consistent performance throughout the 2023-2025 WTC cycle. South Africa, after defeating Australia by 5 wickets, took home Rs 30.78 Crores (USD 3.6 million).
The WTC Final, held at Lord's, London, was the culmination of two years of intense competition among the top Test-playing nations. Australia, the defending champions, entered the final as one of the favorites, having demonstrated their strength with a series win over India and clean sweeps against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their journey to the final showcased their dominance in red-ball cricket, solidifying their position as a leading Test nation.
Although Australia couldn't replicate their previous WTC final success, where they defeated India, their performance throughout the tournament was commendable. The team displayed resilience, skill, and determination, earning them a well-deserved spot in the final and a significant share of the record-breaking prize pool.
The ICC has significantly increased the prize money for the 2023-2025 WTC cycle, with a total prize pool of $5.76 million. This increase reflects the ICC's dedication to promoting Test cricket and ensuring its financial viability in an era dominated by shorter formats of the game. The winner, South Africa, received $3.6 million, while the runner-up, Australia, secured $2.16 million.
Other teams participating in the WTC cycle also received substantial prize money based on their final standings. India, who finished third, were awarded $1.44 million, followed by New Zealand ($1.2 million), England ($960,000), Sri Lanka ($840,000), Bangladesh ($720,000), West Indies ($600,000), and Pakistan ($480,000). This distribution ensures that all participating teams are rewarded for their efforts and contributions to the WTC.
The increased prize money for the WTC Final serves as a major incentive for teams to prioritize Test cricket and strive for excellence in the longest format of the game. It also acknowledges the financial sacrifices players often make to compete in Test matches, which can be more demanding and less lucrative than other forms of cricket.
Australia's impressive run in the WTC 2023-2025 cycle and their substantial prize money highlight their continued importance as a force in Test cricket. While the loss in the final was undoubtedly disappointing, the team can take pride in their achievements and look forward to future opportunities to compete for the WTC title. The prize money will be a welcome boost for Cricket Australia, enabling them to invest in developing future talent and further strengthening their Test cricket program.
