In India, women’s cricket is ready to emerge from the male-dominated shadow, and the rest of the globe is preparing for the emergence of a new superpower in the sport.
In the cricket-crazed nation, male players have long enjoyed rock star status, but their female counterparts have struggled to be taken seriously. However, their efforts have begun to pay off, and 15 years after the Indian Premier League (IPL) debuted, a full-fledged women’s T20 tournament will begin in March.
Importantly, corporate India has recognised the value of funding the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already earned close to $690 million from the purchase of franchises and broadcast rights, and when a title sponsor joins the team later this month, the income flow will increase even more.
Special Triumph 🏆
Special Celebrations 👏
At the World's Largest Cricket Stadium – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad 🏟️ 🔝🎥 That moment when @TheShafaliVerma & Co. enjoyed a lap of honour for their #U19T20WorldCup glory #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/lzf2LLGzJf
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) February 1, 2023
Building on the increasing interest in the female game among Indian spectators, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur referred to the league as a “game changer” for women’s cricket in the nation.
This zeal was evident in the tourists’ 4-1 victory over Australia in the December home T20 series.
Over 25,000 people attended the first game at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai, and more than 47,000 people attended the second game there.
India already have a strong foundation and won the inaugural Under-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa on Sunday, despite the fact that Australia has dominated women’s cricket for the previous 20 years.
Captain Shafali Verma, remarked after their victory over England in the Potchefstroom championship, “It’s just the beginning.”
