Started in 1998, the ICC Champions Trophy slowly and steadily became one of the most important tournaments after the 50-over ODI World Cup. With the top eight teams participating and competing for the silverware, it is considered the second-best 50-over ICC tournament. In 2025, Pakistan is set to host the tournament, where top-quality teams will meet.
According to the proposed schedule, the tournament is expected to take place in February and March. However, it will be interesting to see if the schedule and itinerary proposed by the PCB will proceed smoothly. Given the significance of the tournament, there is ongoing comparison regarding its financial value, particularly in terms of how much prize money the Champions Trophy winners have received over the years compared to the ODI World Cup winners. Take a look at the detailed table below, which will provide a clear perspective on this matter.
Champions Trophy Prize Money
| Year | Winner | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | West Indies | $400,000 (approx.) |
| 2006 | Australia | $500,000 (approx.) |
| 2009 | Australia | $2 million |
| 2013 | India | $2 million |
| 2017 | Pakistan | $4.5 million |
As mentioned, since its inception in 1998, the tournament has experienced many fluctuations and has never been entirely consistent. When we look at the prize money for the first three editions, specifically in 1998, 2000, and 2002, the figures are not officially documented.
Although it came to light that teams received prize money from their respective cricket boards, the exact amounts were not disclosed. In contrast, in recent events, such as in 2017, the ICC allocated a prize money of $4.5 million USD, which is now equivalent to almost ₹37 crore. In 2013, the prize money was $2 million USD, which is now equivalent to almost ₹17 crore in 2024.
ODI World Cup prize money
| Year | Winner | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Australia | $48,000 (approx.) |
| 1992 | Pakistan | $70,000 |
| 1996 | Sri Lanka | $400,000 |
| 1999 | Australia | $1 million |
| 2003 | Australia | $2 million |
| 2007 | Australia | $2.24 million |
| 2011 | India | $3 million |
| 2015 | Australia | $3.975 million |
| 2019 | England | $4 million |
| 2023 | Australia | $4.4 million |
It is important to note that for the first few editions of the World Cup, starting in 1975, 1979, and 1983, there was no prize money given to the winners by the ICC. Instead, they were honored by their respective cricket boards.
In 1983, when India won the Prudential Cup, they were felicitated by the Indian Cricket Board. To honor the players, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar held a concert, and ₹20 lakh was collected and distributed among the players. The system of prize money began with the 1987 Reliance Cup. Currently, there is no question that when it comes to the ODI World Cup, both its scale and the prize money are significantly larger. The tournament typically features 10 to 14 teams and is widely recognized as the flagship event of the ICC.
