The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a substantial increase in prize money for the 2025 Champions Trophy, marking the tournament's return to the cricket calendar after an eight-year hiatus. Record prize pool In a significant boost to the competition's prestige, the total prize pool has been elevated to $6.9 million (approximately ₹59.93 crore) representing a 53 per cent increase from the 2017 edition. The winning team will collect will collect $2.24 million (close to ₹19.45 crore), while the runners-up are set to receive $1.12 million (over 9.72 crore Indian rupees). Comprehensive prize structure The ICC has outlined a detailed prize structure ensuring rewards at every stage: Semi-final losers: $560,000 each (₹4.86 crore) Fifth/sixth place: $350,000 each (₹3.04 crore) Seventh/eighth place: $140,000 (₹1.21 crore) Participation fee: $125,000 per team (₹1.08 crore) Match win bonus: $34,000 per group stage victory (₹29.53 lakh) Pakistan's Historic Moment The 2025 edition marks a historic return of ICC events to Pakistan, which last hosted a major tournament in 1996. The competition will feature eight top-ranked ODI teams divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals. Future framework The Champions Trophy is set to become a regular fixture in the cricket calendar, scheduled to be held every four years. In a progressive move, the ICC has also announced the introduction of a Women's Champions Trophy in 2027, which will be played in the T20 format. Official Statement ICC Chair Jay Shah emphasised the tournament's significance, stating: "The ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 represents a pivotal moment for cricket, reviving a tournament that highlights the pinnacle of ODI talent, where every match is critical." He added that the enhanced prize pool demonstrates the ICC's commitment to cricket's development and sustainability. Tournament format The competition's streamlined format ensures high-stakes cricket from the outset, with teams needing to perform consistently to progress beyond the group stage. The structure guarantees intense competition throughout the tournament, with financial incentives complementing the sporting prestige. The announcement reinforces the Champions Trophy's position as a premier cricket event, bridging the gap between World Cups while offering substantial financial rewards for participating nations.Original Article