The Rising Tide of Women’s Cricket

on

 

A Shifting Narrative

The India women's national cricket team has increasingly become a catalyst for change — not just in the game, but in how women’s sport is perceived across India




Veteran batsman Virat Kohli remarked that their achievements over recent years have “revolutionised perceptions towards women’s sport.”

This change is visible not only in increments of media coverage but in how young girls now consider playing cricket as a viable path.

Highs & Lows: A Mixed Bag

Highs

  • In 2024, the India women’s team posted the highest ever team total in women’s Test cricket: 603/6, anchored by a monumental opening stand of 292 between Shafali Verma (205) and Smriti Mandhana (149).

  • Smriti Mandhana returned to the top spot in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings after five years, underlining her consistent performance. 

  •  Lows

    • Despite promise, the team faced a disappointing exit from the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, failing to reach the semi‑final stage for the first time since 2016.

    • Criticism after recent losses has highlighted not just performance issues, but also the gendered dimension of how women athletes are judged.

    • What’s Next: Breaking the Final Barrier

      One of the biggest goals for the team: lifting a major ICC trophy—something that has so far eluded them despite coming close.

    • Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has openly stated her ambition to end this drought, especially with the next World Cup being hosted at home.

    • This spells opportunity — for the team, for the sport, and for broader visibility of women’s cricket.

    • Why It Matters

      • Role Models: When young girls see women excelling in cricket, it shifts aspiration and normalises participation.

      • Commercial Growth: As performances improve and attention grows, so does sponsorship and investment — which feeds back into infrastructure, training, and talent development.

      • Cultural Shift: Success in women’s sport challenges traditional gender norms, especially in cricket‑obsessed nations.


Comments

Post a Comment