Source: Forbes
Cricket, once heralded as a gentleman’s game, has undergone a profound metamorphosis over the past century, dismantling barriers, embracing diversity, and extending its reach across both gender and geography. Yet, despite these advances, women’s cricket continues to lag behind its male counterpart in visibility, financial backing, and competitive opportunities.
The Evolution of Women’s Cricket
Women’s cricket boasts a storied lineage, dating back to 1745 when the first recorded match took place in England. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the sport began to consolidate into an organized framework. Constrained by societal conventions that historically relegated women’s participation in sport to the periphery, female cricketers persevered. In 1934, the inaugural international women’s cricket match—contested between England and Australia—paved the way for broader global recognition. The establishment of the International Women’s Cricket Council (IWCC) in 1958 further legitimized the sport, culminating in the 1973 Women’s Cricket World Cup, a seminal moment that underscored the immense potential for engagement. Today, women’s cricket stands at an inflection point, buoyed by heightened visibility, burgeoning professional leagues, and a cadre of exceptional athletes elevating the game on the international stage.
The Rise of Women’s Cricket on the Global Stage
In recent years, women’s cricket has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, propelled by exponential increases in viewership and fan engagement. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, for instance, has witnessed staggering audience growth. The 2024 edition in the UAE attracted over 91,030 spectators, marking a 30% increase from the previous year, as reported by the ICC. Meanwhile, the 2023 tournament garnered an extraordinary 192 million global viewing hours—a remarkable 44% surge from its 2020 iteration—alongside a staggering 1.4 billion video views across all platforms, according to the BBC.
Pioneering athletes such as Ellyse Perry, Smriti Mandhana, and Nat Sciver-Brunt have been instrumental in transforming women’s cricket from a niche pursuit into a global spectacle. Their prowess on the field has shattered entrenched stereotypes, drawing lucrative sponsorships, driving record-breaking television ratings, and fostering the expansion of domestic and international women’s leagues.
Women’s Cricket Leagues: A Catalyst for Growth
Domestic leagues have served as a crucial fulcrum in the sport’s evolution, offering not only financial security for players but also attracting broader audiences and sustained investment. While some leagues have flourished, others continue to grapple with structural and financial impediments.
Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) – Australia
The WBBL has emerged as one of the most successful women’s cricket leagues, boasting robust audience engagement and elite competition. The 10th edition witnessed a 46% year-over-year surge in TV and streaming audiences, with live attendances rising by 23% to an average of 1,755 spectators per match. The league’s financial model is also evolving, with the 2023–24 salary cap increasing by 22% to AUD 732,000 per team. Yet, despite its success, the WBBL’s truncated two-month season and limited team slots restrict opportunities for emerging talent.
The Hundred – United Kingdom
The Hundred, which replaced the Kia Super League in 2019, introduced a revolutionary format that captured public imagination. The inaugural edition attracted 16.1 million viewers and sold 510,000 tickets, as reported by SportsPro. However, concerns persist regarding the widening pay disparity between male and female players. The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) has highlighted the growing chasm, with top male players now earning up to £135,000—nearly double their female counterparts, according to the BBC.
Women’s Premier League (WPL) – India
Despite India’s rich cricketing heritage, the WPL was only inaugurated in 2023. Its debut season attracted 50 million viewers within its first 14 matches according to AISTS, while the league’s franchise auction commanded a staggering $572 million, as reported by SportsPro. However, with only five teams, opportunities for domestic talent remain constrained, limiting exposure for aspiring female cricketers.
International Tournaments: Showcasing the Best of Women’s Cricket
While major international competitions such as the ICC Women’s World Cup and Women’s T20 World Cup have propelled women’s cricket into mainstream consciousness, newer initiatives—such as the FairBreak Invitational Tournament—are pioneering a more inclusive approach.
ICC Women’s World Cup
First held in 1973, the Women’s Cricket World Cup remains the sport’s premier event. The 2022 edition in New Zealand saw record-breaking engagement, amassing 1.64 billion digital video views, as reported by the ICC. Yet, prize money disparities persist—the women’s tournament’s total prize pool stood at $3.5 million, a fraction of the $10 million awarded in the men’s 2019 edition.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
Since its inception in 2009, the T20 World Cup has enjoyed meteoric growth. However, despite rising viewership, players from emerging cricketing nations still struggle for regular professional opportunities outside marquee tournaments.
FairBreak Invitational Tournament
Launched in 2022, the FairBreak Invitational is a privately funded T20 competition that prioritizes inclusivity, featuring players from emerging nations such as Brazil, Rwanda, and Vanuatu. The 2023 edition in Hong Kong hosted 90 players from 36 nations. Led by CEO Cheryll Rogers, the initiative underscores the necessity of expanding the global talent pool.
The Path to Elevating Women’s Cricket
Women’s cricket stands at the precipice of a transformative era. Strategic investments in infrastructure, sponsorship, and player development will determine whether the sport can achieve its full potential. While recent advancements are commendable, systemic enhancements remain imperative.
Expanding Competitive Opportunities
A primary impediment to women’s cricket’s continued ascent is the scarcity of playing opportunities, particularly in emerging cricketing nations. Whereas Australia and England boast robust domestic circuits, countries such as Namibia remain severely underserved. Expanding international tournaments and professional leagues will provide greater exposure and development pathways.
Bridging the Financial Divide
The chasm between male and female cricketers’ remuneration remains glaring. The total prize pool for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024 stood at $7.9 million—significantly lower than the $11.2 million allocated for the men’s tournament. Enhanced sponsorship and broadcasting deals will be pivotal in closing this financial gap.
Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
Sustained investment in grassroots development is essential to cultivating future generations of female cricketers. Expanding youth programs, coaching structures, and mentorship initiatives will ensure a steady influx of elite talent.
Enhancing Visibility
A crucial impediment to women’s cricket’s mainstream proliferation is insufficient exposure. While the sport enjoys a dedicated fan base, broader marketing strategies and enhanced media partnerships are required to reach wider audiences. The exponential rise of women’s football—exemplified by the FIFA Women’s World Cup’s record-breaking viewership—demonstrates that, with the right investment, women’s sports can thrive commercially.
Prioritizing Women’s Health
Sports science research remains disproportionately skewed towards male athletes, with only 6% of studies focusing exclusively on women. Consequently, female cricketers often train, compete, and recover using methodologies tailored to male physiology. Issues such as menstrual health, pelvic floor integrity, and breast biomechanics continue to be overlooked. Addressing these concerns through dedicated research and policy reform will ensure optimal performance and longevity. At Goddess Gaia Ventures, the VC fund I founded, we champion pioneering innovations in women’s health, recognizing that peak athletic performance is inextricably linked to holistic well-being. Stronger, healthier athletes translate to superior competition, heightened viewership, and increased investment in women’s sport.
A Game on the Cusp of Greatness
Women’s cricket is poised for an extraordinary future. The sport’s growing commercial viability, surging audience engagement, and the rise of marquee leagues suggest that it is on the brink of a new golden age. By fostering strategic investment, championing gender parity, and ensuring sustained infrastructure development, women’s cricket can claim its rightful place as a global sporting powerhouse.