World Test Championship 2025 Final offers record $5.76m prize pool
South Africa, Australia eye glory in Lord’s showdown on June 11
DUBAI: With just under a month to go until cricket's most prestigious red-ball clash, excitement is mounting for the World Test Championship 2025 Final between South Africa and Australia.
The one-off Test match, scheduled to take place at Lord’s from 11 June, will not only determine the kings of Test cricket but also award a record-breaking prize purse.
In a major announcement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed that the total prize money for this third cycle of the WTC stands at a staggering USD $5.76 million – more than double the prize pool of previous editions. The champions will receive USD $3.6 million, while the runners-up will take home USD $2.16 million.
By comparison, the winners of the 2021 and 2023 editions each earned just USD $1.6 million, with runners-up pocketing USD $800,000.
Road to Lord’s
South Africa were the first to confirm their spot in the WTC25 Final. Finishing at the top of the standings, the Proteas enjoyed a consistent run, securing series wins over Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. They also managed a closely contested drawn series against India on home soil, which proved pivotal in cementing their place at the top.
Australia, the reigning champions, booked their return to the final after an impressive 3-1 series victory over India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Baggy Greens also registered a clean 3-0 sweep against Pakistan and clinched away series wins in New Zealand and Sri Lanka – underscoring their dominance in the format over the past two years.
ICC World Test Championship prize money:
| Position | Team | Prize money in USD |
| Winner | Australia/South Africa | 3,600,000 |
| Runners-up | Australia/South Africa | 2,160,000 |
| Third | India | 1,440,000 |
| Fourth | New Zealand | 1,200,000 |
| Fifth | England | 960,000 |
| Sixth | Sri Lanka | 840,000 |
| Seventh | Bangladesh | 720,000 |
| Eighth | West Indies | 600,000 |
| Ninth | Pakistan | 480,000 |
The Ultimate Test
To mark the 30-day countdown to the “Ultimate Test”, the ICC launched a high-octane promotional video featuring a blend of current stars and cricketing legends. South African captain Temba Bavuma, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, and top-order batter Aiden Markram appear alongside Australia’s stalwarts Steve Smith and Travis Head.
The promo also features insights from iconic former players such as Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Matthew Hayden, Mel Jones, Nasser Hussain, Shoaib Akhtar and Ravi Shastri – all adding to the buzz around the marquee fixture.
The ICC Chair, Jay Shah, highlighted the intense competition throughout the current WTC cycle and praised the finalists for their excellence. “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,” Shah stated.
Captains speak
South Africa will be eager to clinch their first-ever ICC title in men’s cricket. Skipper Temba Bavuma underlined the significance of the event: “Everyone understands the importance of Test cricket, and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format. Lord’s is a fitting venue, and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia.”
Australia, on the other hand, aim to become the first side to win the WTC title twice. Captain Pat Cummins expressed pride in his team’s achievement and anticipation ahead of the rematch with South Africa. “It’s a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard. We very much look forward to the challenge South Africa will present at the home of cricket,” said Cummins.