T20 World Cup 2026: Is prize money hike on cards?
What's the story
The 2026 Men's ICC T20 World Cup will be underway on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. With less than a week to go, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce the official prize money structure for this edition soon. However, given India's commercial significance and increasing broadcast valuations, experts expect a record-breaking financial windfall in 2026.
Record payouts
Record payouts in the 2024 T20 WC
The 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, held in the West Indies and the USA, set new financial benchmarks for the sport. India won a historic multi-million dollar ($2.45 million) payout as champions. South Africa, the runners-up, received $1.28 million after losing the thrilling final to India. Even teams that exited earlier were rewarded handsomely, with Super 8 participants earning between $382,500.
Growth acknowledgment
Wider financial distribution with expanded format
Notably, India could become the first host side to win the T20 World Cup, a prospect that further elevates the interest. Eight key venues across India (5) and Sri Lanka (3) will host the marquee event. The tournament will follow the same format as the previous edition in 2024, with 20 teams divided into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, which will then be split into two groups.
Champions
India to enter as defending champions
India will enter the tournament as the defending champions. In 2024, India became the third side to win the T20 World Cup twice, joining England and the West Indies. No side has defended its T20 World Cup title. Moreover, no host team has won the tournament. The champions so far: India (2007), Pakistan (2009), England (2010), WI (2012), SL (2014), WI (2016), Australia (2021), England (2022), and India (2024).