
Sat Feb 07 00:40:00 UTC 2026: ### India U-19 Team Clinches World Cup Title, Faces Prize Money Discrepancy
The Story: The Indian Under-19 cricket team emerged victorious in the 2026 World Cup, defeating England by 100 runs in the final held at the Harare Sports Club. Vaibhav Suryavanshi‘s remarkable innings of 175 runs off 80 balls was pivotal to India’s triumph. Despite this victory, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will not award any prize money to the Indian players, as the Under-19 World Cup is considered a developmental tournament.
Key Points:
- India won the Under-19 World Cup 2026, defeating England in the final.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored 175 runs in the final and was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament.
- The ICC does not provide prize money for the Under-19 World Cup, viewing it as a developmental tournament.
- The ICC provides funds to member nations for cricket development, considering separate prize money a “double reward.”
- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to reward the team, as they have done in the past. In 2022, the U-19 team received 40 lakh rupees per player and 25 lakh rupees to support staff. In 2023 and 2025, the Women’s U-19 team received 5 crore rupees as prize money.
Key Takeaways:
- While the ICC doesn’t offer prize money for the Under-19 World Cup, the BCCI often steps in to reward the winning team.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s outstanding performance has etched his name in U-19 World Cup history.
- The ICC’s stance highlights the distinction between developmental and professional cricket tournaments regarding financial incentives.
- National cricket boards play a crucial role in recognizing and rewarding young talent, supplementing the ICC’s framework.