NEW DELHI, India – India’s cricket board announced Monday a substantial cash reward of $5.75 million (around R100 million) for the women’s national team following their historic World Cup victory, marking the country’s first-ever ODI World Cup triumph in women’s cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the reward package just one day after the team’s stunning 52-run victory over South Africa at Mumbai’s packed DY Patil Stadium on Sunday evening.

Playing in front of a sell-out home crowd, the Indian women’s team finally claimed the prize that had eluded them for two decades. The victory comes after heartbreaking runner-up finishes in both 2005 and 2017, making this third-time triumph all the sweeter for players and fans alike.

“This money is awarded as a token of appreciation for the women’s team,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told AFP. The substantial reward will be distributed among players, support staff, and selectors who contributed to the campaign.

The team has already secured $4.48 million (about R83 million) in prize money from the International Cricket Council (ICC) – representing a staggering 239% increase from the $1.32 million (about R22,507,160)

This edition of the Women’s World Cup featured an unprecedented overall purse of $13.88 million, surpassing even the $10 million total for the most recent men’s championship.

India’s path to glory was far from smooth. The team struggled during the league phase, suffering three consecutive defeats that left their tournament hopes hanging by a thread. However, they managed to secure the final semi-final spot and delivered when it mattered most.

In a remarkable upset, India knocked out Australia – the record seven-time champions and heavy tournament favorites – setting up the final showdown with South Africa.

The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across the country. In Delhi, crowds gathered in the streets, waving Indian flags and setting off fireworks late into the night.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievement, stating that this “historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports.”

The triumph represents not just a sporting milestone but a significant moment for women’s cricket in India, potentially inspiring a new generation of female athletes in the cricket-mad nation.

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