The International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared that men's and women's teams participating in ICC competitions will receive equal prize money. The decision, which was reached at the ICC Annual Conference in Durban, marks a significant step towards achieving prize money parity well ahead of the initially targeted date of 2030. The new rule ensures that teams will be awarded the same amount of money for their performances in comparable competitions and for winning matches.

ICC Chairman Greg Barclay expressed his delight at this groundbreaking moment in the history of cricket. "This is a significant moment in the history of our sport, and I am delighted that men's and women's cricketers competing at ICC global events will now be rewarded equally," Barclay stated.

The decision was made during the recently concluded ICC Annual Conference in Durban, South Africa, surpassing the anticipated timeline of 2030 for achieving prize money equality. This development demonstrates the ICC's commitment to fostering gender equality in cricket.

Barclay also highlighted the ICC's efforts to bridge the prize money gap in recent years. "Since 2017, we have consistently increased prize money at women's events with a clear focus on achieving equal prize money," he said. "From this point forward, winning the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup will carry the same prize money as winning the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, as will the T20 World Cups and U19s."

By implementing this historic decision, the ICC aims to promote gender parity and provide equal recognition and rewards to male and female cricketers. The move is expected to have a profound impact on the sport, encouraging greater participation and inspiring future generations of talented cricketers to excel on the global stage.

Cricket enthusiasts worldwide have lauded the ICC's decision as a significant milestone in promoting gender equality and fairness in the sport. With this landmark achievement, the ICC sets a powerful precedent for other sporting organizations to follow suit and address gender disparities in prize money distribution.

As the cricketing world celebrates this momentous decision, the stage is now set for an era of equal opportunity and recognition for both men's and women's cricket, as the sport progresses towards achieving full gender equality.