DHAKA, May 15, 2025 (BSS)- The International Cricket Council (ICC) today 
confirmed a massive increase in prize money for the 2023-2025 World Test 
Championship (WTC) cycle.

As per the latest update, Bangladesh are set to get US$ 720,000 (Taka 8.7 
crore approximately) for finishing seventh in the competition. 

Bangladesh enjoyed their best run in the competition's history this time, 
winning four out of 12 matches, including a historical 2-0 whitewash against 
Pakistan, away from home. They also beat West Indies for the first time since 
2009 on Caribbean soil and won a Test against New Zealand at home in this 
cycle.

In the first WTC cycle which ran from 2019-2021, Bangladesh went winless 
before sealing a solitary victory in the second cycle (2021-2023) -- a 
historic victory against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui Defending Champions 
Australia will take on South Africa at Lord's from June 11-15 in the final 
after which the current cycle will come to an end.

The winner will take home a purse of US$3.6 million, more than double of what 
New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023) earned after winning the previous two 
finals.

The losing finalists, too, will earn more than the earlier top prize money, 
assured of more than $2.1 million this time. The winners of the previous two 
editions won $1.6 million while the losing finalists got $800,000.
 
The increase in prize money exhibits the ICC's efforts to prioritize Test 
cricket as it looks to build on the momentum of the first three cycles of the 
nine-team competition, the ICC said in a press release.

The third edition saw South Africa finish on a high with 2-0 home series wins 
over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, ending with 69.44 percentage points. Defending 
champions Australia finished with 67.54 points while India finished with 
50.00 after leading the table for much of the time.

ICC Chair Mr. Jay Shah wished the finalists the very best as they set their 
sights on the Test Mace.

"We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test 
Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the 
competition," Shah said. 

"The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of 
different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads 
-- a true celebration of cricket.

"I am sure spectators at Lord's, along with fans tuning in from all over the 
world, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when 
Australia and South Africa take the field less than a month from now.

"On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in 
their preparations for the prestigious match."

Both captains too looked forward enthusiastically to playing at Lord's, which 
hosts the WTC Final for the first time.

Australian Captain Pat Cummins said: "We are enormously proud to have the 
opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord's. It's 
a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked 
incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us."

South African captain Temba Bavuma said: "We're really pleased to have made 
the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win 
an ICC title.

"Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket and the World Test 
Championship lends context to this vital format of the game. Lord's is a 
fitting venue for this mega fixture and all of us will be out there trying to 
give our best against Australia."