Pakistan Earns Prize Money Despite T20 World Cup Exit as the International Cricket Council released the final prize money distribution for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Despite an underwhelming campaign that ended before the semifinal stage, the Pakistan team still received a significant share from the tournament’s total prize pool.
The global cricket body announced that $11.25 million was allocated to teams and players participating in the tournament, with payments determined by match victories and progression through different stages of the competition.
India Takes the Biggest Prize
According to the official breakdown, tournament champions India national cricket team secured the largest reward.
The winning side received $2,639,423 after lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament. Meanwhile, runners-up New Zealand national cricket team earned $1,422,692 for finishing second.
Both teams progressed through the knockout stages and delivered strong performances throughout the competition.
Semi-Finalists Receive Major Rewards
The teams that reached the semifinal stage also received substantial prize money.
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South Africa national cricket team earned $1,005,577.
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England national cricket team received $974,423.
These payouts reflect the ICC’s structure, which rewards teams based on tournament progress and match results.
Pakistan Among Super Eight Teams
Among the teams that reached the Super Eight stage, Pakistan received $522,692 despite failing to progress further in the competition.
Another Super Eight team, West Indies cricket team, received $538,269.
Other teams eliminated at this stage also received prize money based on their standings:
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Zimbabwe national cricket team – $491,538
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Sri Lanka national cricket team – $475,962
The prize structure ensures that teams advancing beyond the group stage receive higher rewards compared to those eliminated earlier.
Payments for Remaining Teams
Teams eliminated earlier in the tournament also received participation-based payouts.
The following teams each earned $309,808:
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Afghanistan national cricket team
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Australia national cricket team
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United States national cricket team
Additional payouts included:
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Scotland national cricket team – $278,654
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Ireland national cricket team – $271,731
Meanwhile, teams such as Netherlands national cricket team, United Arab Emirates national cricket team, Nepal national cricket team, and Italy national cricket team each received $256,154.
Participation Payments for Other Teams
The ICC also confirmed that teams including Canada national cricket team, Namibia national cricket team, and Oman national cricket team were given $225,000 each as participation payments.
Officials clarified that the prize money figures represent gross earnings before taxes or other deductions and are calculated based on match wins, stage qualification, and final standings.
Prize Money Reflects Tournament Performance
Cricket analysts say the ICC’s prize money structure encourages teams to compete aggressively in every stage of the tournament.
Although Pakistan’s campaign ended earlier than expected, reaching the Super Eight stage ensured that the team secured a notable financial reward.
The latest prize distribution highlights the financial scale of international cricket tournaments and the growing commercial value of global competitions like the T20 World Cup.