The international governing body of cricket has boosted the prize money for this year’s Women’s World Cup by ten times as it aims for complete gender parity within the next 15 years.

Teams taking part will be able to compete for US$2m (£1.5m, €1.8m) in prize money, up from the US$200,000 (£154,544, €182,495) on offer for the 2013 edition of the tournament.

Dave Richardson, chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), said the move was the “first step towards greater parity and recognition”.

However, the total is still way off the US$10m (£7.7m, €9.1m) awarded during the men’s tournament in 2015.

“We think the Women’s World Cup this summer will be a turning point in the history of the game,” he added.

“There is growing interest globally in the women’s sport and we want cricket to be front and centre of this and lead by example.”

Clare Connor, chair of the ICC Women’s Committee, said: “To recognise the players in this way demonstrates the value women’s cricket can add to the game globally and I know we’ll see some exceptional cricket this summer that can grow our fan-base around the world.”

In addition, the tournament – which is being held in England and Wales – will be the first where every ball in every game is covered lives, with 10 matches broadcast on television and a further 21 streamed live.