The Rise of Women’s Cricket in India: From Struggle to Stardom
Growth of Women Cricket in India
Women cricket in India has grown rapidly over the years, transforming from struggle to stardom. Today, women cricket in India is gaining huge popularity and recognition worldwide.
1. The Humble Beginnings – 1970s to 1990s
Women’s cricket in India started quietly in the early 1970s, when the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) was formed.
But in those days, players had to bring their own kits, buy their own travel tickets, and sometimes play in men’s hand-me-down jerseys.
Stars like Diana Edulji, Shantha Rangaswamy, and Sandhya Agarwal played purely for passion — not fame, not money, not comfort.
They practiced on uneven grounds, often after school or work hours.
Yet, despite every limitation, they put Indian women’s cricket on the world map — reaching the World Cup semifinals in 1978 and 1997, when very few even knew India had a women’s team.
Their journey laid the foundation for the revolution we see today.
2. The BCCI Takeover – A Turning Point
In 2006, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially took over women’s cricket.
This was a game-changing moment.
Under BCCI:
– Players started receiving central contracts.
– Facilities and coaching improved.
– National tournaments were standardized.
– Players began representing India more frequently in ICC tournaments.
With better infrastructure and recognition, a new generation of cricketers began to emerge —
Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur,, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma — names that would soon inspire millions of Indian girls to pick up the bat.
The journey of women cricket in India has inspired millions of young players across the country.
Today, women cricket in India is gaining recognition and support like never before.
3. The Road to Global Recognition – The 2017 and 2022 World Cups
Before 2025, Indian women had already come heartbreakingly close to glory.
In the 2017 Women’s World Cup, led by Mithali Raj, India reached the finals after a heroic run.
But in the final at Lord’s, England edged out India by just 9 runs — breaking a billion hearts.
That loss, however, changed everything.
It brought women’s cricket into the national spotlight.
Suddenly, players like Harmanpreet Kaur, whose 171* against Australia became legendary, were household names.
By 2022, India had reached the semifinals again, showing consistency and intent.
It was clear — a World Cup win was coming soon.
4. The Golden Moment – 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup was hosted in India and Sri Lanka — a home World Cup for the Indian women.
From the first match, there was energy, confidence, and belief.
Let’s relive the highlights ?
?? Group Stage
India started strong, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana leading powerful batting displays.
However, a loss to Australia in the early stage tested their resolve.
The turning point came when India beat England convincingly — thanks to Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance and Renuka Singh’s fiery bowling spell.
* Semi-Final: India vs Australia
A match that felt like destiny.
Australia, the six-time world champions, looked unbeatable.
But Jemimah Rodrigues had other plans — her magical 127 off 98 balls* led India to an incredible chase, knocking out Australia and sending India into their third-ever World Cup final.
The entire nation celebrated like Diwali came early! ?
* Final: India vs South Africa (Navi Mumbai, November 2, 2025)
Wankhede Stadium was roaring. 60,000+ fans, tricolour everywhere.
India batted first — Shafali Verma smashed 87 runs in a fearless start, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur anchored the innings with a steady 63.
India posted 282/6.
In reply, South Africa started strong but India’s bowling attack dominated.
Deepti Sharma’s spell of 3/29, combined with Renuka Thakur’s pace, destroyed their middle order.
India won by 52 runs, creating history!
India had won its first-ever Women’s World Cup title!
Tears, joy, fireworks — it was a proud moment for every Indian.
The players were heroes, the stadium was emotional, and the world finally bowed to India’s daughters. ??✨
5. What the 2025 Win Means for India
The 2025 victory wasn’t just about a trophy —
it was about changing mindsets, inspiring dreams, and opening doors for thousands of girls across India.
This win proved that:
– Women’s cricket deserves equal attention and investment.
– Girls from small towns can make it big.
– Cricket is not just “men’s sport” — it’s India’s sport.
Since the win, more girls have enrolled in cricket academies than ever before, and new women-only cricket programs have started across India.
6.Growth of Women’s Cricket After World Cup Wins
Impact of World Cup Wins on Women’s Cricket
When the Women cricket team Defeated the Australia in Semi-Final then Indian won final against South Africa they created a history and its impact on the other players how are struggling and hardworking to comes in cricket and this type of winning gives them a motivation and the mentality of the other is change’s.
7.Role of Players like Mithali Raj & Harmanpreet Kaur
The players like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma have shown their talent. These players helped increase the growth of women’s cricket in India and inspired other players who have the potential to handle pressure.
8.Rise of Women’s IPL (WPL)
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has become very popular in India, just like the Indian Premier League (IPL). It has helped increase the growth of women’s cricket across the country.
The RCB women’s Won the world Cup 2 Times in a row
The WPL gives opportunities to talented players from different states in India. It supports players who cannot afford expensive equipment and training. Because of this, many young players are now able to follow their dreams.
Domestic players also get a chance to play with international and Team India players. Experienced players guide them and teach them how to perform well and handle pressure in matches.
9.Future of Women’s Cricket
The future of women’s cricket is very bright, in my opinion. If the government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continue to support women’s cricket and improve infrastructure, it will become easier for players to grow.
Opening more cricket academies will also help young cricket lovers who want to play for India in the future. When players get support from their families and friends, they become more confident and dedicated to cricket.
In the coming years, women’s cricket will become more competitive, popular, and professional. With better investment, support, and global tournaments, the future of women’s cricket is set to reach new heights.
10.women’s cricket popularity in India
The popularity of Cricket in India is Crazy in over all world When the women’s team won the world cup so the media and social media started the coverage of women’s team and their popularity increase from this turning points the when they won world cup 2025
In my opinion the popularity of Women’s Cricket is low than the Men’s so we support equally both of them.
Players like Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana have inspired millions of fans with their performances. Their success has encouraged many young girls to take up cricket as a career.
The introduction of the WPL has also boosted the popularity of women