Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S financial rewards at the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup multiplied seven times after taking home US$491 538 at the end of the 2026 edition held in India and Sri Lanka recently.
The Chevrons earned their biggest pay cheque at the ICC Men’s World Cup following a dazzling run at the tournament, which included the famous win over giants Australia and a stunning victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka, to finish top of their group unbeaten.
Reaching the Super Eights for the first time signalled not only a historical milestone but also came with an improved package.
The prize money confirmed by the International Cricket Council this week means the Chevrons’ players will be among the handsomely paid teams at this year’s event.
The last time Zimbabwe participated at the event in 2022, they were knocked out in the Super 12 stage and received US$70 000 for their efforts.
But this time the stakes were even higher after the ICC increased the tournament prize money. Because of the winning bonuses from the group stage, Zimbabwe earned more than tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka, who got US$475 962, also for reaching the Super Eights.
Champions India, who secured a record third title, claimed the biggest share of the US$11,25 million total prize pool to be distributed among the 20 participating nations, in line with the record-breaking increase to ICC prize money announced in 2024.
India took home the biggest share, with the reigning champions earning US$2 639 423 after defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final.
New Zealand, who had featured in just their second men’s T20 World Cup final, received the second-largest share, taking home US$1 422 692.
The total reflects the base amount of US$225 000 received by all participating teams, along with bonuses based on final placements, win bonuses, and progression through each stage of the tournament.
Semi-finalists South Africa were the only other side to breach the million-dollar mark, earning US$1 005 577.
The Proteas were unbeaten throughout the tournament before New Zealand got the better of them at the Eden Gardens after pulling off a sensational chase on the back of Finn Allen’s blazing ton.
New Zealand opener Finn Allen took 24 runs from five deliveries to bring up his century and guide his side to victory in the semi-finals at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The fourth semi-finalists, England, who came close to ending India’s title defence in the semi-finals, earned US$974 423.
West Indies and Pakistan earned US$538 269 and US$522 692 respectively, while Zimbabwe’s stellar performance, during which they stunned Australia, saw them take home a healthy purse of US$491 538.
The remaining Super 8 team, tournament co-hosts Sri Lanka, earned US$475 962.
The USA, who had reached Super 8 in the previous edition, and impressed in the group stage with two wins in the 2026 tournament, ended with US$309 808. This was also the amount secured by Australia and Afghanistan. – Zimpapers Sports Hub/icc-cricket.com
