ICC boosts prize money for Champions Trophy

Prize money for the eight-nation Champions Trophy starting in Pakistan next week has been increased by 53 per cent, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said Friday.

Besides an impressive trophy, the winning side will earn a whopping $2.24 million, an ICC statement said, while the runners-up will receive $1.12 million.

"The total prize pool has increased by an impressive 53 per cent from the 2017 edition, reaching $6.9 million," the ICC said.

"The substantial prize pot underscores the ICC's ongoing commitment to investing in the sport and maintaining the global prestige of our events."

Each losing semifinalist will take home $560 000, teams finishing in fifth or sixth place will receive $350 000, and the seventh and eighth-placed sides take home $140 000.

Last place is worth $125 000 – and a win in the group stages is worth around $34 000

The February 19 to March 9 tournament marks the first time Pakistan hosts an ICC event in three decades, although some matches will be played in the United Arab Emirates as India is refusing to play on its neighbour's soil.