India’s cricket fans were still dancing in the streets when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) gave the country yet another reason to cheer.
On Tuesday, the BCCI officially confirmed a cash prize of Rs 131 crore for the Indian cricket team after they pulled off something no side had ever done before winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on home soil, right in the heart of Ahmedabad.
A Final That the Nation Will Never Forget
The title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium was everything a cricket fan could ask for. India took on New Zealand in the final, and when the last ball was bowled, it was the Men in Blue who lifted the trophy once again. This victory made India the first team in the history of the tournament to successfully defend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title a record that stands alone and may not be broken for a very long time.
Here is a quick look at India’s three T20 World Cup titles:
| Year | Venue | Final Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Johannesburg, South Africa | Pakistan | India Won |
| 2024 | Bridgetown, Barbados | South Africa | India Won |
| 2026 | Ahmedabad, India | New Zealand | India Won |
India are now the only team in history to win the Men’s T20 World Cup three times, cementing their place as the greatest T20 side the sport has ever seen.
BCCI’s Big Announcement: Rs 131 Crore For the Champions
The BCCI did not waste time. Within days of the final whistle, the board put out an official statement confirming the prize money that the winning squad, support staff, and selectors would take home.
In the statement, Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia said the board congratulates the players, support staff, and selectors on this historic achievement and wishes them continued success in the future.
Here is how the reward is expected to be distributed:
| Category | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Each playing squad member (15 players) | Rs 5 crore each |
| Head Coach (Gautam Gambhir) | Rs 2.5 crore |
| Senior Coaches (batting, bowling, fielding) | Rs 2.5 crore each |
| Support Staff (physios, trainers, analysts, masseurs) | Rs 2 crore each |
| Reserve / travelling players | Rs 1 crore each |
| Selectors (Ajit Agarkar-led committee) | Rs 1 crore |
| Total BCCI Prize Pool | Rs 131 crore |
BCCI President Mithun Manhas also expressed immense pride over the win, calling it a moment that the entire nation would cherish for generations.
The Country Erupts In Celebrations
The moment India sealed the win, the country went into full celebration mode. Cities lit up with tricolors, streets filled with fans, and social media broke records for sporting reactions.
Nita Ambani was among the many prominent figures to react, saying that over a billion hearts had beaten with pride and joy as the trophy came home. Players like Sanju Samson received a massive hero’s welcome upon returning, with fans turning out in huge numbers to greet their champions.
What Comes Next For Team India
The celebrations will eventually settle, but the work will continue. Coach Gambhir has already set a new challenge for the squad, making it clear that the team’s hunger should not fade with this victory. Young talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi are already knocking on the door, and the pipeline of talent behind the current squad looks as strong as ever.
For now though, India stand alone at the top of the T20 world. The BCCI’s Rs 131 crore reward is a small token of appreciation for a squad that has given the country memories that will last a lifetime. India well and truly played.
