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MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday announced a whopping $14 million in prize money for India’s men’s cricket team after they lifted the T20 World Cup for a record third time.
The co‑hosts and pre‑tournament favourites swept aside New Zealand by 96 runs in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad to become the first team to retain the trophy and the first to win it on home soil.
Cricket commands an unrivalled following in the world’s most populous country, with top players enjoying star status and the game serving as a rare unifying force in an otherwise diverse nation.
BCCI praised the players, support staff, and selectors for the “historic achievement” as it announced the cash reward.
The victory cemented India’s place “among the most successful teams in the history of the format”, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement.
The prize money will be shared among the entire team, including coaches and support staff.
The announced prize money is roughly $3m higher than the tournament’s overall prize pot of $11.25m.
The Indian team will separately receive $2.34 million from the International Cricket Council, while runners-up New Zealand will earn $1.17 million.
Midnight celebrations broke out across the country on Sunday as delirious fans in blue Indian shirts took to the streets, beating drums and dancing to Bollywood hits.
