Tigers to get Tk 8.7cr for finishing 7th in WTC

Tigers to get Tk 8.7cr for finishing 7th in WTC

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed a massive increase in prize money for the 2023-2025 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. As per the latest update, Bangladesh are set to get US$ 720,000 (Taka 8.7 crore approximately) for finishing seventh in the competition. Bangladesh enjoyed their best run in the competitions history this time, winning four out of 12 matches, including a historical 2-0 whitewash against Pakistan, away from home. They also beat West Indies for the first time since 2009 on Caribbean soil and won a Test against New Zealand at home in this cycle. In the first WTC cycle which ran from 2019-2021, Bangladesh went winless before sealing a solitary victory in the second cycle (2021-2023) -- a historic victory against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui Defending Champions Australia will take on South Africa at Lords from June 11-15 in the final after which the current cycle will come to an end. The winner will take home a purse of US$3.6 million, more than double of what New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023) earned after winning the previous two finals. The losing finalists, too, will earn more than the earlier top prize money, assured of more than $2.1 million this time. The winners of the previous two editions won $1.6 million while the losing finalists got $800,000. The increase in prize money exhibits the ICCs efforts to prioritize Test cricket as it looks to build on the momentum of the first three cycles of the nine-team competition, the ICC said in a press release. The third edition saw South Africa finish on a high with 2-0 home series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, ending with 69.44 percentage points. Defending champions Australia finished with 67.54 points while India finished with 50.00 after leading the table for much of the time. ICC Chair Mr. Jay Shah wished the finalists the very best as they set their sights on the Test Mace. "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," Shah said. "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 Lords, 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 less than a month from now. "On behalf of the ICC, I extend best wishes to the players of both teams in their preparations for the prestigious match." Both captains too looked forward enthusiastically to playing at Lords, which hosts the WTC Final for the first time. Australian Captain Pat Cummins said: "We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lords. Its a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us." South African captain Temba Bavuma said: "Were really pleased to have made the World Test Championship Final, which is a good opportunity for us to win an ICC title. "Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format of the game. Lords is a fitting venue for this mega fixture and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia."