The 15 members of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad could pocket at least $240,000 each by taking out the tournament after prizemoney was nearly doubled by the ICC.
Australia will open its campaign against Oman in Barbados on Friday knowing the total prize pool has skyrocketed to just short of $17m for the inaugural 20-team tournament.
Victory in the final would earn the Australian outfit close to $3.6m, a jump of more than $1.2m from the last event, won by England at the MCG in 2022.
Get on board Kayo and watch every game of every round of the NRL + AFL Seasons live and ad break free during play. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
This World Cup has included an expanded number of teams, with a cash windfall for every one of them, including the likes of Papua New Guinea and Uganda, with those who finish at the bottom of their tables set to reap at least $320,000.
Every win before the semi-finals and final will also net teams $46,000, with prize money for the finals to come on top of that.
“This event is historic in so many ways, so it is fitting that the prizemoney for players reflects that,“ ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said.
“Hundreds of millions of fans around the world will be entertained by the players in what we’re hoping to be an out of this world event.”
Several members of the Australian squad have already had their bank balances boosted massively after stints in the Indian Premier League, including fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who earnt a record $4.4m for guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to the title.
Pat Cummins also made in excess of $3.6m as captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Cameron Green made more than $3m with RCB, Glenn Maxwell $2 million and another four players all took home pay packets of more than $1m for their work.
Australia will play pool games against Oman, England, Namibia and Scotland and would be expected to win at least three if not all of them despite a preparation captain Mitch Marsh said had been “disjointed”, with late arrivals and player travel issues.
Green was among those to lose his luggage during a trip that took Starc 60 hours from Australia.
“Just one bag lost – my cricket bag but it came the next day,” Green said of his journey.
“My trip was about 38 hours while Starcy’s (Mitchell Starc) was about 60 hours, so overall happy.”
MORE NEWS
‘Not good enough’: New York T20 pitch storm erupts as star rips rival in wild US intro
‘Massive by world standards’: The big test that could wake up cricket’s sleeping giant
‘Incredible scenes’: Minnows’ staggering collapse as final over chaos erupts in T20 WC
Ultimate Guide: Everything to know about the T20 World Cup
CHAOS as minnows play out a thriller | 01:59
Australia’s T20 World Cup games
June 6: v Oman, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 10.30am AEST
June 9: v England, Kensington Oval, Barbados, 3am AEST
June 12: v Namibia, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, 10.30am AEST
June 16: v Scotland, Daren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia, 10.30am AEST