DUBAI: India have emerged victorious in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand in a thrilling final at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Along with lifting the prestigious trophy, Rohit Sharma’s men also secured a record-breaking prize money of $2.24 million (INR19.78 crore). The runners-up, New Zealand, will take home $1.12 million (INR10 crore).
The International Cricket Council (ICC) had announced the tournament’s total prize pool at $6.9 million (INR60 crore), reflecting a significant 53 percent increase from the previous edition in 2017. This year’s competition saw eight teams battling for not only glory but also substantial financial rewards.
Prize money breakdown: Who earns what?
While India and New Zealand secured the biggest payouts, the semi-finalists – South Africa and Australia – will each receive $560,000. Every team participating in the tournament was guaranteed a minimum payout of $125,000 as a participation reward.
Teams finishing in fifth and sixth place will be awarded $350,000 each, while the seventh and eighth-placed sides will receive $140,000. Each victory during the group stages carried a bonus of $34,000, further adding to the teams’ earnings.
One of the most talked-about aspects of this edition was Pakistan’s performance. As the tournament hosts, Pakistan failed to register a single win, yet still walked away with $270,000. Their disappointing campaign included group-stage defeats, but ICC’s prize distribution ensured every participating team received a financial reward.
India’s road to victory
The grand finale saw New Zealand setting a target of 252 runs after winning the toss and opting to bat. India’s bowlers, led by Kuldeep Yadav (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/45), restricted the Black Caps, preventing them from crossing the 260-run mark.
India’s chase began strongly, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting together a crucial 105-run stand. However, New Zealand clawed back into the contest as Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply for just one run. Shreyas Iyer’s 48 and Axar Patel’s composed innings steadied the ship before KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja took India across the finish line. Rahul remained unbeaten on 34, while Jadeja finished the match in style with a boundary.
New Zealand fight back but no Trophy
New Zealand, despite their spirited campaign, were unable to halt India’s march to glory. The Black Caps lost key wickets at crucial intervals, and their inability to capitalise on a strong start proved costly. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with a measured 63, while Michael Bracewell’s late onslaught ensured New Zealand posted a respectable total.
Their bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, tried to turn the tide in the second innings, but the lack of a lethal finishing touch meant India comfortably chased down the target in the 49th over.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who is also an Indian, emphasised the importance of the Champions Trophy’s return, highlighting the increased prize pool as a step towards making global tournaments more lucrative. He reiterated the tournament’s role in keeping 50-over cricket relevant while rewarding teams for their efforts on the world stage.