India has earned a massive ₹12.32 crore (USD 1.48 million) from the International Cricket Council (ICC) despite not qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final 2025. This reward was part of the ICC’s revenue distribution based on team performance in the WTC 2023–25 cycle. Surprisingly, this amount is almost equal to what WTC champions Australia received, which has sparked conversations among cricket fans and experts around the world.
India’s Strong Performance in WTC 2023-25 Cycle
India remained among the top-performing teams throughout the WTC 2023–25 cycle. Despite narrowly missing out on a spot in the final, their consistent performance, high ranking, and impressive win percentage helped them secure a high payout from the ICC. The Indian team played several notable series wins, both home and away, keeping them among the top teams on the points table.
India’s matches in this cycle included memorable wins against England, West Indies, and Bangladesh, along with closely contested series with South Africa and Australia. Although they could not qualify for the final due to a few missed opportunities and critical losses, they were always seen as strong contenders.
ICC’s WTC Prize Money Distribution
The ICC announced the total prize pool for the World Test Championship cycle as USD 3.8 million (around ₹31.6 crore). The money was divided based on the final standings of each team.
- Australia, who won the WTC final 2025, received USD 1.6 million (approx. ₹13.32 crore).
- India, finishing high in the points table, received USD 1.48 million (₹12.32 crore).
- Other teams like England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka received smaller portions depending on their final rankings.
The small difference of ₹1 crore between India and Australia’s earnings has led to discussions about the fairness of the distribution model and the importance of consistency throughout the cycle.
How Did India Earn So Much Without Reaching the Final?
The WTC rewards are based not just on qualifying for the final, but also on overall performance across the 2-year cycle. India maintained a high win ratio, dominated many opponents, and regularly remained within the top 3 spots of the WTC table.
Their home series victories, especially on turning tracks, and overseas draws and wins contributed significantly to their overall point tally. Even though a couple of losses late in the cycle affected their final standing, the bulk of their consistent results helped them earn a major share of the prize pool.
BCCI’s Strong Financial Influence
It is also worth noting that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains one of the most powerful and financially influential bodies in world cricket. The large Indian viewership and commercial support play a major role in generating broadcast revenue for ICC tournaments.
While the WTC prize money is based on performance, the value India brings to global cricket ensures that Indian matches are highly monetizable, which indirectly affects the revenue sharing model and the team’s standing in the ecosystem.
Comparison with Other Teams
The close payout between India and Australia has drawn mixed reactions:
- Some fans argue that India deserved more given their strong record throughout the league stage.
- Others believe the champions should receive a bigger reward, as they played and won the final.
Here’s a quick comparison of earnings:
- Australia (WTC Champions 2025): ₹13.32 crore
- India: ₹12.32 crore
- England: ₹10 crore approx.
- South Africa & New Zealand: Between ₹8–9 crore
Fans React on Social Media
The cricket-loving Indian fanbase took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube to express their views. Hashtags like #TeamIndia, #WTC2025, and #BCCI were trending shortly after the earnings were revealed.
Some users praised the team’s consistent performance, while others criticized the squad for missing out on the final again. Many pointed to team selection issues and batting collapses in crucial matches as reasons for not making the cut.
Expert Analysis: A Reward for Consistency
Cricket analysts believe that India’s earnings reflect their depth, talent, and resilience. According to former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, “India’s Test side is among the strongest in the world. The payout from the ICC proves how consistent they’ve been. They just need to finish stronger next time.”
Harsha Bhogle, a respected cricket commentator, said, “The WTC model is designed to reward long-term performance, not just one match. India played great cricket. This earning is well deserved.”
What Lies Ahead for Team India?
With the next WTC cycle (2025–27) already on the horizon, India will aim to correct past mistakes. The team is expected to undergo some changes, especially in the middle order and bowling department, to remain a strong contender for the next final.
The next big Test challenge for India will be an away tour of England, followed by a crucial home series against New Zealand. These matches will set the tone for the new cycle and offer India another shot at reaching the final.
Financial Strength of Indian Cricket
Beyond ICC prize money, the BCCI’s financial strength ensures that Indian players are among the best-paid athletes in world cricket. Earnings from the IPL, broadcast rights, and sponsorships mean that even if India misses out on finals occasionally, their global cricketing influence remains unmatched.
The ₹12.32 crore earnings from ICC add to the growing kitty of Indian cricket and prove that consistent performance pays off, even in the absence of silverware.
India’s ₹12.32 crore prize from the ICC, even without a WTC final appearance, showcases the strength, consistency, and global importance of Indian cricket. It’s a reminder that long-term performance and stability matter in the game, just as much as lifting trophies.
As India sets its eyes on the next WTC cycle, fans remain hopeful for better results and possibly a title-winning campaign in 2027.
