Last Updated: March 9, 2026 04:36 PM
Something seemed off during the award ceremony at Narendra Modi Stadium! Sanju Samson won Player of the Tournament but received no cash prize. Jasprit Bumrah got Player of the Final with zero money too.
Fans watching worldwide noticed this immediately and started questioning why. IPL awards always come with big checks from sponsors. Why didn’t ICC follow the same pattern here?
ICC’s Cash-Free Award Policy Explained
ICC follows a completely different philosophy for World Cup awards. They don’t give individual cash prizes at all ever. No Player of the Match checks, no Player of the Tournament money.
This isn’t about being cheap or saving money though. ICC wants emphasizing team success over individual glory always. Cricket remains a team sport fundamentally according to them.
The total prize pool gets distributed to national cricket boards directly. India won $3 million for lifting the trophy! New Zealand received $1.6 million as runners-up instead.
Losing semifinalists got $790,000 each for their efforts. Super 8 teams earned $380,000 while group stage teams received $250,000. Everyone gets something based on the performance level reached.
How National Boards Distribute Prize Money
BCCI receives India’s $3 million prize from ICC first. Then they divide that amount among the entire squad. Coaching staff and support personnel get shares equally.
This system ensures everyone benefits from the team’s success. The physio, analyst, and reserve players all receive money. Not just the eleven players who played the final.
Award winners like Samson and Bumrah still benefit financially though. Their shares come from the total team prize pool. Plus, they get beautiful trophies and medallions permanently!
Long-Term Benefits Matter More Actually
ICC intentionally avoids brand-sponsored individual awards during ceremonies. They want to maintain the “purity” of World Cup events. No commercial clutter ruins the prestige according to ICC.
But these awards boost players’ market value globally significantly! Samson’s IPL auction price will skyrocket next season. Brand endorsement opportunities will flood in for both players.
T20 league contracts worldwide will increase dramatically for them. That’s where the real money comes from ultimately. A World Cup award opens doors worth millions later!
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final. Samson and Bumrah dominated individually but celebrated the team victory together!
