The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 may be remembered for its thrilling contests and record engagement, but for the Nepal national cricket team there was also a significant financial milestone to celebrate off the field.
Nepal, competing in its third ICC T20 World Cup after qualifying through the Asia/East-Asia Pacific region, exited at the group stage in India and Sri Lanka. While the team did not reach the Super 8s, it secured a morale-boosting win against Scotland — its first World Cup victory in more than a decade, powered by key contributions from players such as Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Bhurtel.
Despite the early elimination, Nepal reportedly earned a substantial purse from the tournament's prize money structure, which guaranteed all 20 participating nations a base financial reward. Independent reports suggest that Nepal's total earnings from prize money and match wins could be around NPR 3.7 crore (roughly US$250,000 – $300,000) — an amount that includes the standard participation payout for teams finishing outside the Super 8 phase and additional bonuses for its group-stage win.
The ICC's expanded prize pool for 2026 — estimated at approximately US$13.5 million — ensured that even teams eliminated early received meaningful financial support. Under published breakdowns, sides finishing between 13th and 20th place in the tournament are expected to receive around US$250,000 each, with extra match-win bonuses on top.
For Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), these funds are more than a consolation prize: they represent vital investment capacity for grassroots development, domestic competitions, and elite training.
