Once seen as a footnote in the larger story of the sport, women’s cricket is now writing its own remarkable chapter. Over the past two decades, the rise of women’s cricket has transformed how fans, broadcasters, and even traditionalists perceive the game. From sold-out stadiums to record-breaking performances, women cricketers are not just closing the gap — they’re setting new standards.
This article explores the evolution of the sport, how female players have broken barriers, and why the rise of women’s cricket is one of the most powerful narratives in modern sports.
A Humble Beginning
While women’s cricket dates back to the 18th century, it took a long time to gain mainstream attention. The first recorded women’s cricket match took place in 1745 in England, but it wasn’t until 1934 that the first official women’s Test match was played between England and Australia.
For decades, the sport remained in the shadows — underfunded, underpromoted, and often dismissed. Female players juggled cricket with full-time jobs, receiving little support and even less recognition. But despite the hurdles, they continued to play for the love of the game.
Breaking Through: The Turning Points
Several pivotal moments helped propel the rise of women’s cricket into the spotlight:
1. Increased Media Coverage
The 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup in England was a game-changer. The final between India and England at Lord’s was watched by over 180 million people globally. It marked a shift — people were finally paying attention, and the media began giving the women’s game the platform it deserved.
2. Professional Contracts
Boards like the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia began offering central contracts to women players. This not only provided financial security but allowed athletes to train full-time and compete at higher levels. The professionalism showed in performances, with players reaching new levels of athleticism and skill.
3. T20 Leagues and Global Exposure
Tournaments like the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and The Hundred gave players international exposure and fans a reason to tune in. These leagues also created stars like Ellyse Perry, Smriti Mandhana, and Sophie Devine, who became household names beyond their national borders.
Records That Redefined the Game
The rise of women’s cricket hasn’t just been about visibility — it’s been about performance. Women cricketers are shattering records and redefining excellence.
- Jhulan Goswami became the highest wicket-taker in Women’s ODIs, showcasing longevity and class.
- Mithali Raj held the record for most runs in ODIs, setting a benchmark for consistency.
- Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy have repeatedly dominated with the bat, scoring centuries that rival the best in men’s cricket.
- The 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final at the MCG saw over 86,000 fans in attendance, the highest ever for a women’s cricket match.
These milestones are more than just numbers — they are proof that the game is evolving and that the gap in skill and audience interest is rapidly closing.
Breaking Barriers Off the Field
1. Equal Pay Movements
Several cricket boards have started working toward pay parity. In 2022, New Zealand Cricket announced equal match fees for men and women — a landmark decision that set the tone for others.
2. Female Commentators, Coaches, and Umpires
The growth of women’s cricket has also opened doors off the field. Former players like Lisa Sthalekar, Anjum Chopra, and Charlotte Edwards now play influential roles in commentary and coaching, shaping the next generation.
3. Inspiring the Next Wave
With greater representation and role models, more young girls are taking up the sport. Grassroots programs are now including girls in cricket academies, and schools are promoting cricket as a viable career path for young women.
Social Media & Branding: Powering the Movement
Social media has played a huge role in accelerating the rise of women’s cricket. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have given players direct access to fans. Cricketers such as Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, and Heather Knight use these platforms to build their personal brands, share their journeys, and connect with followers.
Brands have also taken notice. With growing popularity, endorsements have followed. Players now feature in major advertising campaigns, and women’s teams are getting their fair share of sponsorship deals.
The Role of the ICC & National Boards
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made significant strides in promoting the women’s game. Equal prize money in ICC events, more frequent international tours, and increased TV broadcasting have helped bring the sport to millions.
Boards like the BCCI have also stepped up. The inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India, launched in 2023, was a breakthrough. With massive auctions, high-profile ownerships, and sold-out stadiums, it showcased the commercial potential of the women’s game.
Challenges That Still Remain
While progress has been undeniable, the journey is far from over. Several challenges continue to hold women’s cricket back in some regions:
- Lack of regular international fixtures for lower-ranked teams
- Disparity in pay and facilities
- Limited media coverage for domestic women’s matches
- Societal barriers in countries where women in sport still face stigma
However, the trajectory is upward. The foundation is stronger than ever, and the future looks promising.
What’s Next for Women’s Cricket?
The next decade could define the long-term success of women’s cricket. With the Olympics reintroducing cricket in 2028, there’s a huge opportunity to grow the sport globally. More nations are investing in infrastructure, and the ICC’s commitment to development at the grassroots level is beginning to show results.
Franchise leagues, like the WPL, are expected to expand. More international tours are being scheduled. And most importantly, fans are showing up — not out of curiosity, but out of passion and belief in the women’s game.
Final Thoughts
The rise of women’s cricket isn’t just about stats, titles, or headlines — it’s a movement. A movement that’s breaking down long-standing barriers, rewriting history, and proving that cricket, in its truest form, knows no gender.
As more girls pick up bats and balls, inspired by the icons of today, the story of women’s cricket will only grow richer. What was once seen as a novelty is now a force — competitive, thrilling, and global.
And we’re just getting started.