The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a record-breaking prize pool of USD $5.76 million for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 Final, which will be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London in less than a month.
This marks a monumental increase in the tournament’s rewards structure—more than doubling the prize money awarded in previous editions. The champions of the “Ultimate Test” will now receive a staggering USD $3.6 million, compared to USD $1.6 million given to the winners in both 2021 and 2023. The runners-up will also benefit from a significant jump, taking home USD $2.16 million, up from USD $800,000.
To mark the 30-day countdown to the grand finale, the ICC released a high-octane promotional video featuring marquee players and legendary cricketers. South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma, speedster Kagiso Rabada, and star batter Aiden Markram appeared alongside Australia’s seasoned duo Steve Smith and Travis Head. The campaign also featured former greats such as Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar, and Ravi Shastri, creating buzz and anticipation among cricket fans worldwide.
The Finalists: A Clash of Test Titans
South Africa were the first team to confirm their spot in the final, topping the WTC 2023–25 standings with consistent performances across the cycle. Their impressive run included series wins against Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, as well as a hard-fought home draw against India.
Australia secured their place with a 3-1 victory over India in the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Their campaign was further bolstered by a 3-0 sweep of Pakistan on home soil and away series triumphs against New Zealand and Sri Lanka, underlining their strength and depth in Test cricket.
Jay Shah Reflects on WTC Cycle and Upcoming Final
Reflecting on the conclusion of the WTC cycle and the buildup to the final, ICC Chairman Jay Shah said:
“We have witnessed a very interesting third cycle of the ICC World Test Championship, where the finalists were decided only towards the end of the competition. The championship has showcased remarkable performances from players of different teams, culminating in a final between these two exceptional squads—a true celebration of cricket.”
“I am sure spectators at Lord’s, along with fans tuning in from all over the world, will be treated to some top-class cricket in this revered format when Australia and South Africa take the field. On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in their preparations for the prestigious match.”
Historic Stakes at Lord’s
For South Africa, this final represents a golden opportunity to win their first-ever ICC trophy—an achievement that has eluded them across formats for decades. Meanwhile, Australia are chasing history of their own, aiming to become the first team to win the ICC World Test Championship title twice, having previously lifted the mace in 2023.
With pride, history, and a record prize on the line, the WTC 2023–25 Final promises to be a spectacle for Test cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
