The echoes of ‘Chak De India’ have barely faded from the rafters of the Narendra Modi Stadium, but the celebrations for the Men in Blue are just beginning. Following a masterclass in Ahmedabad where India dismantled New Zealand to clinch their record-breaking third T20 World Cup title, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has raised the stakes.

BCCI rewards Team India with massive prize purse for T20 World Cup 2026 success

In a move that reflects the sheer magnitude of the achievement, the board has announced a staggering INR 131 crore cash reward for the squad, support staff, and selectors.

This windfall marks a significant jump from the INR 125 crore disbursed after the 2024 triumph in Barbados. By retaining the trophy on home soil, India hasn’t just defended their crown; they’ve established a cricketing dynasty. The BCCI’s statement on Tuesday lauded the team’s “historic achievement,” noting that this prize money serves as both a reward for excellence and an investment in the continued dominance of Indian cricket on the global stage.

The final against New Zealand was less of a contest and more of a coronation. Under the blinding lights of the world’s largest cricket stadium, India delivered a clinical performance to secure a 96-run victory. The win was a testament to the team’s tactical evolution and mental fortitude. By lifting the trophy in 2026, India became the first nation in the history of the T20 World Cup to successfully defend their title, a feat that had eluded even the great West Indies and English outfits of the past.

From group stage shocks to Ahmedabad glory: The path to immortality

While the final scoreline suggests a smooth ride, India’s journey to the INR 131 crore bonus was paved with high-octane drama. Entering the tournament as heavy favourites, the Men in Blue cruised through Group A with four consecutive wins. However, the Super 8s provided a harsh reality check. A bruising 76-run defeat at the hands of South Africa left India’s campaign dangling by a thread.

Faced with a win-or-go-home scenario, the team’s resilience came to the fore. Thumping victories over Zimbabwe and a high-stakes encounter against the West Indies revitalized the squad. This momentum carried them through a high-scoring semi-final thriller against Englandproving that this version of Team India thrives under maximum pressure.

This victory also places India at the pinnacle of the format with three titles (2007, 2024, and 2026), breaking the tie with England and the West Indies. The sheer dominance displayed in the final was the perfect antidote to the knockout jitters that had haunted the team for a decade prior to their 2024 breakthrough.