The Rise and Rise of Women's T20 Cricket: A Game-Changer

As the cricketing world prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, hosted for the first time in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the tournament stands as a testament to the rapid growth and evolution of the women's game. Over the years, women's cricket has not only gained momentum but has also captured the imagination of fans worldwide, thanks to the rising quality of play, increased media coverage, and a growing global audience.

The Growth of Women's Cricket: A Journey of Triumphs

Leaps and Bounds in Popularity

Women’s cricket has made extraordinary strides over the last decade. Once relegated to the shadows, today, women's T20 tournaments have their dedicated viewership and coverage. The rise of women’s cricket leagues like the Women's Premiere League (WPL) in India, Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia and The Hundred in England has given the game a platform to flourish. These tournaments have introduced women cricketers to a global audience, showcasing their talents and providing them with opportunities to compete against the world’s best players.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has played a significant role in popularizing the sport globally. The 2020 edition of the tournament held in Australia shattered records with a historic attendance of 86,174 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the final between Australia and India. This moment marked the highest-ever attendance for a women’s sporting event, a true testament to how far the game has come.

The Rise of Competitiveness (T20 Women's Cricket World Cup)

This year’s World Cup features ten teams—Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. Each team has its unique story of resilience and triumph. Defending champions Australia will be vying for their seventh title, while emerging teams like Scotland and Bangladesh are eager to make their mark. The competition has never been fiercer, with every team preparing intensely for a shot at glory.

The triumphs and struggles of these teams add an emotional layer to the tournament. For example, Bangladesh’s qualification came after a nail-biting win in the qualifying rounds, even though they were the host nation, they showcased their potential to punch above their weight. Similarly, Scotland’s growing presence in women’s cricket is a result of years of grassroots development and determination.

Broadcast and Viewership Statistics: A Growing Audience

The growth in women’s cricket has been driven in part by enhanced media coverage and wider broadcasting reach. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expanded its broadcast arrangements for the 2024 edition, ensuring that the tournament will reach more fans than ever before. Matches will be broadcast in 116 territories globally, with coverage available across multiple platforms, including live streaming, TV broadcasts, and audio commentary.

In India, Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar will stream all 23 matches with multilingual commentary, making the tournament accessible to a broad audience. Similarly, fans in the UK can tune in via Sky Sports Cricket and SkyGO, while Amazon Prime Video will stream matches in Australia. In the USA and Canada, WillowTV and the Cricbuzz app will provide live coverage​ (icc)​(CricTracker).

Broadcast Growth: By the Numbers

• The 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final reached an impressive 86,174 attendees at the MCG and over 1.1 billion viewers worldwide.

• According to the ICC, the 2024 WPL (Women’s Premier League) attracted over 100 million viewers just in its second season, a significant leap in viewership compared to previous year, setting the stage for this year's World Cup​.

• This year, with 23 matches scheduled over 18 days, the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup is expected to reach even more homes globally, particularly with free streaming options available on ICC.tv for viewers in select regions​( CricTracker).

The women’s game is on an upward trajectory, and the 2024 tournament is expected to break further viewership records.

The Evolution of Women’s Cricket: A Bright Future

The growth of women’s cricket is a triumph not just for the sport but for women athletes globally. Increased investment, the formation of domestic leagues, and more expansive media coverage are helping young girls dream of representing their countries on the world stage. With each World Cup, the women’s game is proving that it’s not just an accompaniment to men’s cricket but a powerful force in its own right.

The success of the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of female cricketers, showing them that impossible is nothing in the world of sport. As the tournament kicks off, let’s celebrate the incredible strides women's cricket has made and look forward to witnessing more history in the making.