Legendary Indian fast bowler Jhulan Goswami has lauded the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its record-breaking prize money announcement for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, calling it a “goosebumps moment” for women’s cricket. The ICC’s decision to allocate a staggering $13.88 million prize pool—nearly four times the amount awarded in the previous edition—has been widely celebrated as a landmark move toward gender parity and global recognition of women’s sport.
Speaking in a video shared by the ICC, Goswami said, “I am getting goosebumps. This is a very good thing. I would definitely like to thank ICC from my side. The way they have thought of this, I think, definitely, women’s cricket will get a lot of boost in this. It will be a boost for the young budding cricketers.”
🧭 ICC 2025 Women’s World Cup Prize Money Breakdown
| Position / Achievement | Prize Money (USD) | % Increase from 2022 Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Winners | $4.48 million | +239% |
| Runners-up | $2.24 million | +273% |
| Losing Semi-finalists (each) | $1.12 million | +273% |
| Group Stage Win (per match) | $34,314 | New inclusion |
| Participation (each team) | $250,000 | Guaranteed |
| 5th & 6th Place Teams | $700,000 (each) | New inclusion |
| 7th & 8th Place Teams | $280,000 (each) | New inclusion |
| Total Prize Pool | $13.88 million | +297% from 2022 ($3.5M) |
This prize pool not only surpasses the previous women’s edition held in New Zealand but also exceeds the $10 million awarded in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in India.
🔍 Jhulan Goswami’s Reaction: A Voice of Legacy and Hope
Goswami, who retired in 2022 as the highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs, has long been a vocal advocate for equality and investment in women’s cricket. Her emotional response to the ICC’s announcement reflects the sentiment of countless players who have fought for recognition and resources.
| Quote from Jhulan Goswami | Context / Implication |
|---|---|
| “Getting goosebumps…” | Emotional resonance with the announcement |
| “Boost for young cricketers…” | Encouragement for grassroots development |
| “Parents can now see a future…” | Societal shift in perception of women’s sport |
| “Great news for women’s cricket” | Validation of years of advocacy and progress |
Her words echo the aspirations of a generation that has seen women’s cricket evolve from obscurity to global prominence.
📉 Comparison: 2022 vs 2025 Women’s World Cup Prize Money
| Category | 2022 (New Zealand) | 2025 (India) | Growth Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Prize Pool | $3.5 million | $13.88 million | 3.97x |
| Winner’s Share | $1.32 million | $4.48 million | 3.39x |
| Runner-up | $600,000 | $2.24 million | 3.73x |
| Semi-finalists | $300,000 | $1.12 million | 3.73x |
| Participation Bonus | Not applicable | $250,000 per team | New |
| Group Stage Wins | Not applicable | $34,314 per win | New |
The ICC’s move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket globally, following its pay parity announcement ahead of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.
🔥 Global Reactions and Strategic Implications
The announcement has drawn praise from players, administrators, and fans worldwide. It signals a shift in how women’s cricket is valued—not just as a sport, but as a commercial and cultural asset.
| Stakeholder | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| ICC | “Committed to equity and growth” |
| BCCI | “Proud to host a historic edition” |
| Players (Global) | “Motivated, inspired, grateful” |
| Sponsors | “Enhanced visibility and ROI” |
| Fans | “Long overdue recognition” |
The 2025 Women’s World Cup is expected to attract record viewership, sponsorship, and media coverage, especially with India hosting the tournament.
🧠 Expert Opinions on the Prize Money Boost
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa Sthalekar | Former Australia Captain | “This is a game-changer for women’s cricket.” |
| Harsha Bhogle | Cricket Analyst | “The ICC has sent a powerful message.” |
| Mithali Raj | Former India Captain | “This will inspire the next generation.” |
Experts agree that financial incentives are crucial for sustaining talent and professionalism in women’s sport.
📦 What It Means for Young Cricketers and Families
Jhulan Goswami’s comment about parents seeing a future in sports for their daughters is particularly poignant. In many parts of the world, including India, financial viability is a key factor in career choices.
| Impact Area | Effect of Prize Money Boost |
|---|---|
| Grassroots Cricket | Increased participation, better facilities |
| Parental Support | Greater acceptance of sports careers |
| Coaching Ecosystem | More investment in women’s academies |
| Media & Sponsorship | Enhanced coverage and brand interest |
The prize money boost is not just symbolic—it’s structural, with ripple effects across the ecosystem.
📌 Conclusion
Jhulan Goswami’s heartfelt praise for the ICC’s record prize money for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup captures the spirit of a sport on the rise. With a $13.88 million prize pool, the ICC has not only set a new benchmark for women’s cricket but also sent a clear message: the future is equitable, competitive, and inspiring. As India prepares to host the tournament, the stage is set for a celebration of talent, resilience, and progress.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available statements and ICC announcements as of September 2, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or sporting advice.
