Cricketers worldwide have applauded the ICC's groundbreaking decision to provide equal prize money for both men's and women's competitions, a move that coincides with the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The champions of the tournament, set to conclude on October 20, will be awarded $2.34 million, with the runners-up receiving $1.17 million, contributing to a total prize pool of $7,958,080. This represents a substantial 225% increase from the previous year, making cricket the sole major team sport to offer equal prize money for its men's and women's World Cup events. This historic milestone has been widely praised by players, particularly as the competition kicks off on October 3 with Bangladesh facing Scotland at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.
Bangladesh's Jahanara Alam, a 31-year-old seamer, is eager to participate in the opening match and believes that the equal prize money policy will have a profound impact on the future of the sport. 'This is inspiring for us,' she noted. 'I believe this will be motivating and inspiring for the next generation. It is good for us as we will get financial support.' Alam also highlighted how this decision could influence parents in Bangladesh, encouraging them to support their daughters' participation in cricket rather than solely focusing on academic or business pursuits.
Nigar Sultana, captain of the Tigresses, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader positive changes within women's cricket. 'Money is always motivating,' she said. 'This is a good thing and in women's cricket, we are seeing that a lot of changes are made. That is happening in Bangladesh as well. For the whole team, it looks like if we can do well, we can achieve good things in life. So from that point of view, it really makes us happy.'
The tournament, featuring 10 teams, will be held in the UAE, where defending champions Australia aim to retain their title. South Africa, who were runners-up last year, start their campaign against the West Indies in Dubai on October 4. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews expressed her appreciation for the equal prize money initiative, stating, 'It puts a lot of respect on the game. As women and as professional cricketers, we go out there and work super hard every day, just as hard as the men do. We are all on the world stage the same way so to get equal prize money is a huge thing. Hopefully we can see more stuff like that being done and going across the board all the way.'
Deandra Dottin, the legendary all-rounder, who returns to international cricket after a two-year absence, also welcomed the ICC's leadership in this area. 'It is really good to see,' she said. 'Change is good, it just goes to show that women’s cricket is getting taken seriously, which is a great thing. This shows we are going forward in the right direction, and we are being more respected in that area.'
