{"id":892,"date":"2026-01-20T15:49:49","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T10:19:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cricbex.com\/story\/?p=892"},"modified":"2026-01-23T18:22:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T12:52:14","slug":"womens-cricket-leagues-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cricbex.com\/story\/womens-cricket-leagues-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Women’s Cricket Leagues In The World"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Women\u2019s cricket leagues in the world have grown very fast over the last few years. What was once seen as a smaller part of the sport is now an important part of the global cricket calendar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the launch of professional women\u2019s cricket leagues in many countries, the women\u2019s game has gained more fans, better media coverage, and strong financial support, especially in India where women\u2019s cricket growth<\/a> has been remarkable in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This growth is not only about popularity. It is also about opportunity. Women\u2019s cricket leagues now give players regular income, good coaching, and the chance to play in front of large crowds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From sold out stadiums in India to beautiful grounds in New Zealand and England, more fans are watching women\u2019s T20 cricket than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we look at the biggest women\u2019s cricket leagues in the world, their formats, teams, and how they are helping shape the future of women\u2019s cricket around the globe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top Women\u2019s Cricket Leagues: Format, Teams, and Global Reach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before diving into each league, here is a quick overview of the major women\u2019s cricket competitions worldwide, and understanding cricket pitch types<\/a> helps explain why playing styles differ from country to country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

League<\/th>Country<\/th>Format<\/th>Teams<\/th>Year Started<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Women\u2019s Premier League (WPL)<\/td>India<\/td>T20<\/td>5<\/td>2023<\/td><\/tr>
Women\u2019s Big Bash League (WBBL)<\/td>Australia<\/td>T20<\/td>8<\/td>2015<\/td><\/tr>
The Hundred (Women)<\/td>England<\/td>100-Ball<\/td>8<\/td>2021<\/td><\/tr>
Women\u2019s Caribbean Premier League<\/td>West Indies<\/td>T20<\/td>3<\/td>2022<\/td><\/tr>
Women\u2019s Super Smash<\/td>New Zealand<\/td>T20<\/td>6<\/td>2018 <\/td><\/tr>
Charlotte Edwards Cup<\/td>England<\/td>T20<\/td>8<\/td>2021<\/td><\/tr>
FairBreak Invitational<\/td>Global<\/td>T20<\/td>6<\/td>2022<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Women\u2019s Premier League (WPL) : India<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Women\u2019s<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>Women\u2019s Premier League (WPL)<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>India<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>5<\/td><\/tr>
Year Started<\/td>2023<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Women\u2019s Premier League, launched in 2023, changed women\u2019s cricket forever. Run by the BCCI, the WPL quickly became the most valuable women\u2019s cricket league in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Player auctions grabbed headlines, with several stars becoming the most expensive WPL expensive player, highlighting the league\u2019s growing financial power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The league follows the IPL model, bringing together top Indian players and international stars, with fans closely following the WPL schedule<\/a> every season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has raised the standard of women\u2019s cricket in India and proved that a women\u2019s cricket league can be commercially successful, with record breaking WPL revenue<\/a> compared to other leagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Women\u2019s Big Bash League (WBBL) : Australia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Women\u2019s<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>Women\u2019s Big Bash League (WBBL)<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>Australia<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>8<\/td><\/tr>
Year Started<\/td>2015<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>Cricket Australia<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Women\u2019s Big Bash League is the league that set the benchmark for women\u2019s franchise cricket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Started in 2015, the WBBL was the first full scale women\u2019s T20 league to match the men\u2019s competition in quality and coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has played a major role in Australia\u2019s dominance in women\u2019s international cricket in terms of ICC tournament wins<\/a>. Young players gain experience by playing alongside world class overseas stars, making the league extremely competitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. FairBreak Invitational Tournament : Global<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"FairBreak<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>FairBreak Invitational Tournament<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>Global<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>6<\/td><\/tr>
Year Started<\/td>2022<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>FairBreak Global<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The FairBreak Invitational is unique because of its global vision. Unlike most leagues, it is not tied to a single country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its main goal is to give players from Associate nations the chance to play alongside top international cricketers, helping to bridge gaps in experience and exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By hosting matches in neutral venues such as Dubai and Hong Kong, FairBreak promotes women\u2019s cricket beyond traditional powerhouses and encourages the growth of the sport in emerging nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Women\u2019s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) : West Indies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Women\u2019s<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>Women\u2019s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL)<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>West Indies<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>3<\/td><\/tr>
Year Started<\/td>2022<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>Cricket West Indies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The WCPL brings the vibrant Caribbean energy to women\u2019s cricket. Played alongside the men\u2019s CPL, the league combines cricket with music, entertainment, and fan-friendly events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although there are currently only three teams, the WCPL plays a vital role in nurturing local talent, giving West Indies women players exposure to high-level T20 cricket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The league also helps rebuild the region\u2019s strength in the international women\u2019s game, while giving fans a festival-like cricket experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Women\u2019s Super Smash\u00a0 :\u00a0 New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Women's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>Women\u2019s Super Smash<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>New Zealand<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>6<\/td><\/tr>
Year Started<\/td>2018 (T20 rebrand)<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>New Zealand Cricket<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New Zealand\u2019s Women\u2019s Super Smash is the premier domestic competition and runs alongside the men\u2019s tournament. Known for its scenic grounds and friendly atmosphere, the league attracts both local fans and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has produced world-class all-rounders and batters, such as Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, who have gone on to shine internationally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The league plays a key role in developing the New Zealand national team while giving young players the chance to gain experience in high-pressure T20 matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Charlotte Edwards Cup : England<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Charlotte<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>Charlotte Edwards Cup<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>England<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>8<\/td><\/tr>
Year Started<\/td>2021<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Named after England cricket legend Charlotte Edwards, this league forms the foundation of England\u2019s domestic women\u2019s structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It focuses on regional teams, providing regular match practice and competitive experience for developing players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While The Hundred draws more media attention, the Charlotte Edwards Cup is critical for long-term player growth and helps feed talent into the national side. Many future stars use this league as a stepping stone to international cricket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. The Hundred (Women) :\u00a0 England<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>The Hundred (Women)<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>England<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>100-Ball<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>8<\/td><\/tr>
Year Started<\/td>2021<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>ECB<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Hundred introduced a fast-paced 100-ball format to make cricket easier to follow for new fans. Women\u2019s matches are played as double-headers with the men\u2019s games, attracting large crowds and families to stadiums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With equal prize money and strong marketing campaigns, The Hundred has raised the visibility of women\u2019s cricket in England. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also provides young players with the opportunity to play alongside top international stars, helping to raise the overall standard of the domestic game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.CSA WT20 Super League :\u00a0 South Africa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"CSA<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>CSA Women\u2019s T20 Super League<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>South Africa<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>4\u20136 (varies by season)<\/td><\/tr>
Year Started<\/td>2019<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>Cricket South Africa<\/td><\/tr>
Known For<\/td>National team talent development<\/td><\/tr>
Global Impact<\/td>Strengthens South Africa\u2019s women\u2019s cricket depth<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

South Africa\u2019s domestic women\u2019s league focuses on strengthening the talent pool for the Proteas Women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it is not yet as commercially developed as the WPL or WBBL, the league is crucial for preparing players for international cricket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It helps bridge the gap between provincial cricket and national duty, ensuring that South Africa continues to produce competitive players who can succeed in ICC tournaments. The league also gives fans a chance to support rising local stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. KIA Super League (England)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"KIA<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>KIA Super League<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>England<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>6<\/td><\/tr>
Year Active<\/td>2016\u20132019<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>ECB<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The KIA Super League, which ran from 2016 to 2019, was England\u2019s first franchise-based T20 competition for women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It played a key role in professionalizing domestic women\u2019s cricket before being replaced by The Hundred and regional competitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many current England internationals got their first taste of high-level competitive cricket through this league. Its legacy continues to influence how women\u2019s cricket is structured in England today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Women\u2019s T20 Challenge (India)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Women\u2019s<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Attribute<\/strong><\/th>Details<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
League Name<\/td>Women\u2019s T20 Challenge<\/td><\/tr>
Country<\/td>India<\/td><\/tr>
Format<\/td>T20<\/td><\/tr>
Teams<\/td>3<\/td><\/tr>
Year Active<\/td>2018\u20132022<\/td><\/tr>
Organized By<\/td>BCCI<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before the WPL, the BCCI ran the Women\u2019s T20 Challenge as a mini-tournament during IPL playoffs. Initially a one-off exhibition, it expanded to a three-team competition (Supernovas, Trailblazers, and Velocity).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The T20 Challenge demonstrated the huge interest in women\u2019s cricket in India and helped lay the foundation for the WPL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It gave Indian domestic players the chance to play alongside international stars, boosting both skill development and fan engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Women\u2019s cricket is rapidly approaching a future of year round franchise play. As more boards launch competitions like the Pakistan Women’s League, the ecosystem continues to strengthen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While balancing international schedules and ensuring top tier revenue reaches grassroots levels remain challenges, the momentum is undeniable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From record breaking WPL auctions to the league\u2019s most expensive players<\/a>, and packed WBBL stadiums, franchise leagues have become a central pillar of the global sport.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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