Notably, it will be the first time ever that women's and men's tournament will be offering the same prize money in the history of international cricket, the ICC informed in a media release. The historic decision was taken at the ICC Annual Conference in July 2023, as the ICC Board took the step of reaching its prize money equity target seven years ahead of its schedule of 2030. As a result, cricket becomes the  As per the decision, the winners of the tournament will receive USD 2.34 million, a massive, 134 per cent increase from the prize of USD 1 million awarded to Australia in the previous edition in South Africa in 2023. The runners-up will receive USD 1.17 million, which will be an increase of 134 per cent in comparison to the USD 500, 000 awarded to South Africa in the last edition on their home soil. The two losing semi-finalists will earn $675, 000 (up from $210 000 in 2023), with the overall prize pot totalling $7,958,080, a massive increase of 225 per cent from last year's total fund of $2.45 million. Each win during the group stages will see teams take home $31,154, while the six teams who fail to reach the semi-finals will share a pool of $1.35 million depending on their finishing positions. Teams finishing third or fourth in their group will take $270,000 each while those who finish fifth in their group will both receive $135,000. All 10 participating teams are assured of $112,500. T20 World Cup to begin from October 3 The ten teams have been divided into two groups of five each with Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka put in Group A. On the other hand, Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa and West Indies form Group B.  due to the political turmoil in the former country. Bangladesh will kick off the tournament on October 3 with the opening fixture against Scotland in Sharjah.