South Africa are chasing an elusive ICC title, while Australia aim to make history as the tournament's first two-time champions
Pat Cummins, Temba Bavuma (Pic: AFP)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday unveiled a significantly enhanced prize pool for the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, which is set to take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground between South Africa and Australia. The total prize money for this edition stands at an impressive 5.76 million dollars, more than double that of the previous two cycles.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah announced the updated prize structure, emphasising the council's renewed commitment to Test cricket. “It's exciting to announce that the winner of the WTC 25 Final between South Africa and Australia will earn 3.6 million dollars, with the runner-up to receive 2.1 million dollars. The increase in prize money exhibits our efforts to prioritize Test cricket and build on momentum from previous WTC cycles,” Shah stated.
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
The winning team’s reward marks a dramatic rise from the 1.6 million dollars awarded to the champions of the 2021 and 2023 finals. Likewise, the runners-up purse has risen from USD 800,000 to 2.16 million dollars.
In celebration of the 30-day countdown to what’s being termed the 'Ultimate Test', the ICC also released a high-octane promotional video designed to heighten anticipation for the clash. The video features marquee players such as South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma, speedster Kagiso Rabada, and batting mainstay Aiden Markram, alongside Australian stars Steve Smith and Travis Head.
Cricket legends including Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar, and Ravi Shastri also lent their voices and presence to the campaign.
Australia secured their spot in the final with a commanding 3-1 series win over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their qualification was further strengthened by a 3-0 clean sweep against Pakistan on home soil, along with hard-fought away victories against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
South Africa, meanwhile, topped the WTC points table to become the first team to qualify for the final. Their journey included dominant series wins over Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, complemented by a drawn home series against India.
Both captains have their sights set on glory at Lord's, with South Africa chasing an elusive ICC title, while Australia aim to make history as the tournament's first two-time champions.
(With ANI inputs)
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