Women’s cricket has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade, evolving from limited opportunities to becoming a global sensation. With more tournaments, increasing sponsorships, and rising fan engagement, women’s cricket is thriving. The introduction of franchise leagues and the success of international events like the Women’s T20 World Cup have boosted visibility and encouraged more women to take up the sport.
In this blog, we explore the growth of women’s cricket, highlight the top players to watch in 2025, and look at the major tournaments driving this change.
The Evolution of Women’s Cricket
Women’s cricket began gaining traction in the 1970s, but it has only recently achieved mainstream recognition. Governing bodies like the International Cricket Council (ICC) and national boards have made significant investments in promoting women’s cricket.
- Historic Milestone: The first Women’s World Cup was held in 1973, two years before the men’s tournament.
- Recent Breakthrough: The 2017 Women’s World Cup final at Lord’s saw a packed stadium and millions of TV viewers, a turning point for the sport.
- Increased Investment: Countries like Australia, India, and England have introduced contracts for women’s cricketers, ensuring financial security.
Tournaments That Are Shaping Women’s Cricket
1. Women’s T20 World Cup
The Women’s T20 World Cup has become one of the most exciting tournaments in cricket. Its fast-paced format and competitive matches attract fans worldwide.
- Notable Moment: The 2020 T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground drew a record crowd of over 86,000 spectators.
- Next Edition: Scheduled for 2025, it will feature the world’s best teams competing for the title.
2. Women’s Premier League (WPL)
The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India has been a game-changer. Modeled after the IPL, the WPL provides a platform for young talent to shine alongside international stars.
- Impact on Indian Cricket: The WPL is expected to nurture future stars and increase women’s participation in the sport.
- Top Players: Expect big performances from Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana in 2025.
3. Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL)
Australia’s WBBL has set the standard for franchise cricket in women’s cricket, showcasing high-quality matches with large fan engagement.
- Format: Similar to the BBL, featuring eight teams.
- Impact: The WBBL has played a key role in developing local talent and promoting women’s cricket in Australia.
Top Women Cricketers to Watch in 2025
These players are expected to dominate the sport and inspire future generations with their performances in 2025.
1. Shafali Verma (India)
Shafali Verma is known for her explosive batting at the top of the order. At just 21 years old, she has already made a mark in T20s and ODIs.
- Teams: India, Delhi Capitals (WPL).
- Key Strength: Aggressive batting that can change the course of a match.
2. Alyssa Healy (Australia)
Alyssa Healy is one of the most successful wicketkeeper-batters in women’s cricket, known for her consistency and attacking style.
- Teams: Australia, Sydney Sixers (WBBL).
- Impact in 2025: A key player for Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
3. Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
Nat Sciver-Brunt is a world-class all-rounder, contributing with both bat and ball. Her ability to perform under pressure makes her a match-winner in all formats.
- Teams: England, The Hundred.
- Key Competitions: The Hundred, ODI World Cup 2025.
Rising Stars in Women’s Cricket
1. Alice Capsey (England)
Alice Capsey has been impressive with both bat and ball, quickly becoming a rising star in England’s T20 setup.
- Key Teams: Oval Invincibles (The Hundred), England.
- Specialty: Hard-hitting batter and a useful off-spinner.
2. Darcie Brown (Australia)
Darcie Brown is Australia’s newest fast-bowling sensation, making an impact with her pace and control.
- Teams: Adelaide Strikers (WBBL), Australia.
- Role: A key player in Australia’s fast-bowling attack.
3. Richa Ghosh (India)
Richa Ghosh has emerged as a finisher for India in T20 cricket. Her ability to hit boundaries under pressure makes her an exciting player to watch.
- Teams: India, Royal Challengers Bangalore (WPL).
- Impact in 2025: Expected to be a crucial part of India’s white-ball teams.
The Role of Franchise Leagues in Women’s Cricket
Franchise leagues like the WPL and WBBL have been instrumental in the growth of women’s cricket, providing players with opportunities to play alongside international stars and earn significant paychecks.
- Exposure: Young players get to learn from experienced international cricketers.
- Financial Security: These leagues offer competitive salaries, helping players focus entirely on cricket.
- Fan Engagement: Leagues like the WBBL and The Hundred attract large fan bases, promoting women’s cricket globally.
Challenges and Opportunities
While women’s cricket is growing, there are challenges that need to be addressed.
1. Equal Pay and Investment
Many women cricketers still earn significantly less than their male counterparts. Boards and franchises need to continue investing in women’s cricket to bridge this gap.
2. Expanding to New Markets
Promoting women’s cricket in non-traditional markets will be essential for its continued growth. Countries like the USA, UAE, and Canada are slowly embracing the sport, but more initiatives are needed.
3. Balancing Domestic and International Cricket
With the rise of franchise leagues, players face the challenge of balancing domestic commitments with international tours. Governing bodies will need to create schedules that prioritize player well-being.
The Future of Women’s Cricket
The future of women’s cricket looks bright, with more tournaments, sponsorships, and fan support than ever before. Here are some trends to watch:
- Inclusion in the Olympics: There is growing momentum to include cricket, particularly T20 cricket, in the Olympic Games.
- More Franchise Leagues: Expect the expansion of the WPL and the introduction of new leagues in Europe and North America.
- Increased Viewership: With streaming platforms making cricket more accessible, women’s matches are attracting higher viewership numbers.
Women’s Cricket on the Rise
The growth of women’s cricket is a testament to the hard work and talent of players, coaches, and administrators. With more tournaments, improved infrastructure, and increased investment, women’s cricket is on the path to becoming as popular and competitive as men’s cricket.
The rising stars of 2025, along with established players, are set to inspire the next generation and take the game to new heights. As cricket continues to evolve, women’s cricket will play a central role in shaping the sport’s future.