2025 Women’s World Cup win: Catalyst of women’s cricket in India

After the triumph of the 2025 World Cup, women’s cricket has grown at a massive level in our country. Earlier, Indian households were familiar with the names of male cricketers, but now, Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma are also known names in the circuit. Moreover, at the grassroot level also, the number of participants has also increased. Hence, the victory not only brought unprecedented attention to Indian women’s cricket team but also highlighted the progress made in domestic and grassroot level.

Today, India stands as one of the best teams in world cricket. Opponents fear this dynamic team. It is the years of hard work that has made all this possible, not just of the present generation, but earlier generations, who fought the world and took a stand when no one was watching. For example, players like Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, played and established cricket in India when there was no broadcasting, minimal financial support and most importantly no stability from the board. From there to now, it has been a long journey full of hurdles, so it’s time to recognise and appreciate the women in blue. 

Role of BCCI in the growth of women’s cricket 

BCCI is the governing body for cricket in India. The board has always tried to provide ample opportunities to all the players. But recently, for the last 3-4 years, it has actively been taking decisions that have promoted the sport in the country for female cricketers. Few notable steps that have proven to be revolutionary are: 

Equal pay for women’s cricketers at international level

Earlier the viewership of Indian women’s cricket was much lower. Despite playing the same format like men, women cricketers we paid fairly less. But the change has been made as both the genders are equally paid now at the international level. Now the efforts made by women in blue are equally regarded and hence, both the genders get compensated like their male counterparts. Matches fees for the multi-day format is INR 15 lakhs per match , for ODI is INR 6 lakhs per match, and for T20I is INR 3 lakhs per match. This is a revolutionary step as we can see gender equality, the essence of any successful structure in the world. Now, players aren’t distinguished on the basis of their gender, but as regarded for their talent!

Equal pay for women’s cricketers at domestic level 

Just when equal pay was fixed at international level, the same was not initiated in the domestic circuit. However, after the World Cup, changes were made and now women players too get a good amount by playing adequate matches at domestic level. Earlier, it was hard for domestic players to rely only on cricket as their active income. But with the changes initiated, all the players are financially sound. Presently, senior women get INR 50000 for each one day match and INR 25000 for each T20 match. Significant changes have also been made at the junior and age group category as well.

Increase in matches at age group level; Introduction of multi day cricket 

Women’s domestic matches always focused on white ball cricket and hence whenever international multi day matches used to happen, the Indian team was always clueless as they had played only a handful of matches. But now, since multi-day matches have been introduced in the domestic circuit for the past 2-3 years, the performance at global level has also improved. Recently, the Indian team carved their name in history as they won the first test match at Lord’s against England. Not only did they win, but they white washed the opponents with full authority. Kranti Gaud was the player of the match and Yastika Bhatia was the centurion in the first innings. Both the players eventually registered their names on the Lords Honours Board. It was a matter of great pride not only for the family, but for the entire nation. It was a treat to see them perform so well in such tough conditions. 

Apart from the inclusion of multi day format, another stand out decision has been inclusion of Under 15 format in the domestic calendar. This step will strengthen the roots and will help in preparing young budding cricketers from an early age. Earlier the first stage at domestic level was the Under 19s, but now it’s Under 15, which means that more and more young players are being prepared to tackle pressure at an early stage.

You can check the 2026-27 domestic calendar here

Impact of WPL on women’s cricket 

WPL has been the catalyst as it has significantly improved the standards in women’s cricket. Best players from across the globe come and participate. They not only improve the quality of competition but also give good exposure to youngsters, who eventually play for the country. The tournament has provided the right platform and has even helped in grooming players like Shreyanka Patil, G Kamalini etc. Not only that, because of WPL, many state associations have introduced their own franchise cricket tournament, with the aim to groom players for high intensity matches. It has been a great boost for Indian women’s cricket.

New career opportunities for women in cricket 

Earlier the career options were only restricted to playing and hence there was no financial security. But now, with so many avenues open, women cricketers have vast career options, they can enter coaching, umpiring, commentary, talent scout, and what not. With so many options, cricket can now be looked at as a full time job. It can now provide the needed financial stability.

What’s next for women in blue?

After winning the 2025 edition, women in blue played the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in England but unfortunately they didn’t go beyond league stage. But now as that is over, the team’s main focus will be on the Asian Games that will be held in September 2026. Post that, the Indian team will feature in the Champions Trophy as well. 

Indian Teams next big assignments include:

FAQs 

Q: Who is the best all rounder in the Indian Women’s cricket team?

Deepti Sharma is the best all rounder in the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. She also won the player of the series award in the 2025 World Cup for her contribution with both bat and ball. 

Q: What is the highest speed in women’s cricket?

The highest recorded speed in women’s cricket is 132.1 kmph by Shabnim Ismail.

Q: Who is the best power hitter in women’s cricket in India?

Richa Ghosh and Shafali Varma are two pinch hitters in the Indian team.

Q: Who is likely to replace Harmanpreet Kaur as captain in future?

After Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana is most likely to replace her as captian of the the team.