WTC winners to get $3.6m as ICC bumps up prize money

NEW DELHI, May 15 (Agencies): The winners of next month's World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa will take home $3.6 million following a significant increase in the prize money by the governing International Cricket Council on Thursday.

Meanwhile, as per the latest update, Bangladesh are set to get US$ 720,000 (86.9 million/ 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.

Holders Australia pocketed $1.6 million for winning the 2023 WTC final against India, who claimed $800,000 as runners-up.

The losers of the June 11-15 test at Lord's will get $2.1 million - more than the winners' purse in the last two WTC finals.

"The increase in prize money exhibits the ICC's efforts to prioritise 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 statement.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said they were ready to overcome any challenge to retain their WTC title.

"We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord's," the

paceman said.

"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."

Counterpart Temba Bavuma said South Africa were determined to win their maiden ICC title.

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"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," Bavuma said.

However, 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.