September 17, 2024

Women’s T20 World Cup Champions to Receive Major Prize Money Boost

The ICC has announced a change for the double-header games in Sharjah on October 5. The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup is set to begin on October 3 in the UAE, and the winners will receive $2.34 million in prize money. This amount represents a significant increase of 134% from the $1 million awarded to Australia for their victory in 2023.

This year’s total prize pool is $7.95 million, a remarkable 225% increase from the $2.45 million offered last year. The upcoming tournament is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time the ICC will provide equal prize money for women and men in their respective events, a decision made in June 2023.

For comparison, the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup winner, India, received $2.45 million. The difference in prize amounts is attributed to the number of teams participating: the men’s event featured 20 teams, whereas the women’s event had only 10.

The 2024 Women’s World Cup runners-up will earn $1.17 million, significantly higher than the $500,000 received by South Africa, the losing finalists last year. Additionally, the two losing semi-finalists in 2024 will take home $675,000, up from $210,000 in 2023. All ten participating teams are also guaranteed to receive $112,500 each.

October 5 fixtures swapped

The ICC has announced a schedule change for the games in Sharjah on October 5. Initially, Bangladesh was set to face England in the afternoon match at 2:00 PM local time. At the same time, Australia was scheduled to play Sri Lanka at 6:00 PM. In the updated schedule, Australia and Sri Lanka will play in the afternoon, and England will take on Bangladesh in the evening.

The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off in Sharjah on October 3. Bangladesh will play Scotland at 2:00 PM, followed by Pakistan facing Sri Lanka at 6:00 PM.

Lehmann quits coaching roles with Heat and Queensland for commentary gig.

Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann has stepped down from his assistant coaching roles with Brisbane Heat and Queensland despite having a year left on his contract. He will take a full-time radio commentary position with ABC Sport for Australia’s upcoming summer of cricket.

At 54, Lehmann was part of the Brisbane Heat coaching team that won the BBL title last year, marking their first championship since he led them to their inaugural trophy in the 2012-13 season. He was expected to continue under new head coach Johan Botha following Wade Seccombe’s departure earlier this year. However, he left just before the 2024-25 season to focus on commentary, including the Border-Gavaskar series and the BBL.

This move may indicate the end of Lehmann’s coaching career. He had previously applied for head coaching positions with the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades. Still, he lost out to Tim Paine and Cameron White, respectively.

“I’ve had a great time over the journey, with so many fond memories from that time,” Lehmann said.

“I wish nothing but the best for the future for all at QC and the Heat and thank each and every member of staff and the playing group for making my time at QC so enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson praised Darren Lehmann for his significant contributions to Queensland cricket.

“Throughout his long involvement with us, whether as a team coach with the Bulls and the Heat, or assisting individual players with their development, Darren has been a positive and proactive influence on cricket in the state,” Svenson said.

“Being part of the group that won the BBL last summer is a fitting way to farewell him, and while we were looking forward to having him with us again this summer, we wish him every success in the commentary box with ABC Sport.”

Andy Bichel will be the only remaining coaching staff member for Queensland and Brisbane Heat as a new era begins under head coach Johan Botha and general manager of high-performance Joe Dawes.