Strong performances by the national team helped gain attention and trust from fans. Better support from cricket authorities and improved domestic tournaments also played an important role.
The launch of the Women’s Premier League brought more visibility, money, and excitement to the women’s game. Fans now follow women’s cricket beyond international matches.
They discuss league performances, player auctions, sponsorships, and future opportunities. This wider interest shows that women’s cricket in India is no longer limited to a few tournaments but has become a well-supported and growing part of the sport.
Why Women’s Cricket Growth Is Faster
The rapid growth comes from strong administrative support, commercial investment, and exceptional on field performance. Here are the key drivers behind this surge.
Women’s Premier League: The Biggest Game Changer
The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) completely changed women’s cricket in India. Inspired by the IPL, the WPL brought high investment, strong competition, and huge visibility to the women’s game.
The first WPL auction saw teams spending large amounts on players, instantly turning top cricketers into well paid professionals. This financial security did not just benefit star players, it showed families across India that women’s cricket can be a real career.
The league also allows young Indian players to share dressing rooms with international stars, helping them learn faster and gain confidence for global competitions.
The Current State of Women’s Cricket in India
At present, the Indian women’s cricket team is among the strongest teams in the world. They regularly reach the knockout stages of major ICC tournaments and compete strongly against top nations.
Facilities for women players have improved a lot. They now receive professional coaching, fitness training, medical support, and nutrition guidance, similar to the men’s team.
One of the biggest steps forward came in 2022, when the BCCI announced equal match fees for men and women. This decision clearly showed that women’s cricket is now a priority in India.
Where Women’s Cricket in India Stood 10 Years Ago
Ten years ago, women’s cricket in India struggled for attention. Even though the BCCI took control in 2006, progress was slow. Players often travelled without proper comfort, earned very little, and had no central contracts.
Matches were rarely shown on television, meaning outstanding performances went unnoticed. Due to poor financial security, many talented players left the sport early.
Most women continued playing only because of passion, not because cricket could support their future.
Rising Popularity of Indian Women Cricketers
Players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma have become well-known names across the country. Harmanpreet’s fastest fifty in WPL is just one example of how these players are setting records and becoming role models.
These players feature in brand advertisements, magazine covers, and social media campaigns. Their growing popularity attracts new fans, including people who previously did not follow cricket.
Most importantly, they inspire young girls by showing that women can succeed as sports stars in India.
Growth in Viewership and Digital Consumption
The digital revolution in India has played a big role in the rise of women’s cricket. Affordable internet and easy access to streaming platforms like JioCinema and Hotstar allow fans to watch matches anytime and anywhere.
Recent ICC tournaments and WPL season schedule have recorded very high viewership numbers.This proves that fans are eager to watch high quality women’s cricket when it is easily available.
Stronger Domestic Structure and Grassroots Development
Behind every successful national team is a strong domestic system. Women’s domestic cricket in India has expanded, offering more matches and better competition for players outside the national team.
Regional tournaments and age group competitions help identify talent early. Cricket academies across the country now see more girls enrolling than ever before.
This shows that the growth of women’s cricket is happening from the grassroots level, not just at the international stage.
Commercial Success: Sponsors, Media Rights & Revenue
Brands and companies now see women’s cricket as a valuable investment. Major sponsors support the national team, WPL franchises, and individual players.
The WPL media rights deal was sold for a huge amount, proving that broadcasters believe in the long term future of women’s cricket. This commercial growth creates a positive cycle more money improves facilities, which leads to better performances and attracts even more sponsors.
Role of BCCI and Institutional Support
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has played a major role in supporting women’s cricket. Apart from equal pay, the board has increased domestic tournaments and launched competitions for junior age groups.
India’s success at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup highlighted the benefits of early investment and structured development. These steps ensure a strong future pipeline of talented players.
Future of Women’s Cricket in India
The future of women’s cricket in India looks very promising. The national team aims to win a senior ICC trophy, which could further boost popularity, just like the 1983 World Cup did for men’s cricket.
The WPL is expected to expand with more teams and a longer season, giving more opportunities to domestic players. Improved use of technology, fitness tracking, and data analysis will help Indian women cricketers stay competitive at the global level for many years.
Conclusion
The rise of women’s cricket in India is one of the most inspiring stories in modern sports. What was once overlooked has now become a major attraction, thanks to strong support systems, talented players, and the success of the Indian Cricket Team.
With packed stadiums, rising viewership, and growing respect, this is not a temporary trend. A new legacy is being built, and Indian women’s cricket is only getting started.
