1. Record Prize Money for Women’s World Cup 2025
- The International Cricket Council has announced a historic increase in the prize pool for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, raising it by nearly 300%.
- The total prize money now stands at $13.88 million, which is more than what the men’s World Cup 2023 offered.
- The winners will take home $4.48 million, a huge rise from the $1.32 million in 2022. Each participating team will also earn a guaranteed base amount.
- The tournament will run from September 30 to November 2, 2025, with matches to be played in India and Sri Lanka.
Why it matters: This marks a turning point for women’s cricket, highlighting efforts toward gender equality and financial growth of the women’s game.
2. Australia’s Captain Pat Cummins Faces Fitness Battle
- Australia’s Test captain Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the upcoming limited-overs series against India and New Zealand due to a lower back stress issue.
- While the injury is not a fracture, it requires rest and management, casting doubt over his participation in the Ashes series starting November 21 in Perth.
- The selectors are now considering alternatives in the bowling unit, with Scott Boland and other pace options being monitored.
- Cummins’ injury is seen as a result of the intense cricketing schedule over the past few months, sparking fresh discussions on workload management for top players.
Impact: Australia’s Ashes preparation has been disrupted, with questions now surrounding leadership and bowling depth heading into the high-profile series against England.
3. South Africa’s White-Ball Squad Updates for England Tour
- South Africa began their ODI series against England on September 2, but the squad is carrying injury concerns.
- Kagiso Rabada, although included in the squad, is being managed carefully after an ankle problem and was rested for the opening game.
- Matthew Breetzke also missed the first ODI due to a hamstring issue.
- Young fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is being rotated to manage workload but could feature later in the series.
- Key players like David Miller and Keshav Maharaj have returned, boosting balance in the batting and spin departments.
Outlook: South Africa will need to balance injuries and form while facing England in both ODIs and T20Is this month.
4. Jamie Overton Withdraws from the Ashes
- England seamer Jamie Overton has decided to step away from red-ball cricket, ruling himself out of the upcoming Ashes series.
- Overton, who has struggled with managing his body across formats, has opted to focus on limited-overs cricket and franchise leagues like the Big Bash.
- His decision means England will look to other pace options such as Jofra Archer or Mark Wood as they shape their attack for the Ashes.
Ramifications: England lose a versatile fast-bowling option, which slightly affects their depth for the upcoming Tests against Australia.
5. Oval Invincibles Secure a Hat-Trick of Hundred Titles
- In the final of the men’s Hundred 2025, the Oval Invincibles defeated the Trent Rockets by 26 runs at Lord’s to clinch their third consecutive title.
- Will Jacks led the charge with a brilliant 72 off 41 balls, while Nathan Sowter’s sharp 10-ball spell broke the Rockets’ batting momentum.
- With nine retained players from last year, the Invincibles’ stability and cohesion proved vital in their dominance.
Significance: This win establishes the Invincibles as the most successful men’s team in the history of The Hundred, even as the tournament prepares for major format changes from next year.
📅 Ongoing & Upcoming International Cricket Series
| Tournament / Series | Format & Notes | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa in England | 3 ODIs (Sep 2–7) followed by 3 T20Is | September 2025 |
| Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 | Global event with record prize money | Sep 30 – Nov 2, 2025 |
| Australia’s White-ball Tours | Against New Zealand & India (Cummins ruled out) | September 2025 |
| The Ashes (Australia vs England) | Starts in Perth, with major injury concerns on both sides | From Nov 21, 2025 |
| The Hundred (Men’s) | Oval Invincibles crowned champions for 3rd year | Completed Aug 31, 2025 |
