From Sidelines to Spotlight: The Power Play of Women’s Cricket
In stadiums once dominated by the roar of men’s cricket, another sound now echoes louder. It was the triumphant cheer for India’s women, who have just lifted the ICC Women’s World Cup trophy!
Yesterday’s final was a statement. From Shafali Verma’s blistering 87 to Deepti Sharma’s composed 58, India’s victory over South Africa was a masterclass in grit, grace, and game awareness.
For every young girl who once watched from the sidelines, this win said: You belong here.
From dusty practice pitches to dazzling floodlights, women’s cricket has risen not by chance but by sheer determination. And now, equality isn’t a debate; it is the momentum driving the game forward.
To understand this shift, The Panel Station conducted a global survey across India, South Africa, USA, KSA, UAE, Australia, and the UK, capturing how fans feel about the rise, reach, and recognition of women’s cricket.
Because while 52.3% of respondents predicted India would win, what truly unites fans across the world is something bigger:
The unstoppable rise of women’s cricket from the sidelines to the spotlight.
The Turning Point
For decades, women’s cricket existed in the shadows of men’s tournaments. It was the same game, same dedication, but with a fraction of the coverage. Yet, passion found a way to shine through.
Our survey shows that 65.3% of respondents across the seven countries follow women’s cricket either “regularly” or “occasionally.”
These figures tell a remarkable story. Despite limited media attention, audiences are growing, driven not by hype but by heart.
In India and Australia, women’s cricket has transformed into national pride. In the UK, where cricket has long been tradition, women athletes are claiming equal chapters in that story. Even in markets like the USA and UAE, where cricket isn’t the dominant sport, awareness is spreading fast, showing that passion travels beyond boundaries.
This momentum is born out of countless moments when women cricketers proved that skill doesn’t come with a gender tag. From Harmanpreet Kaur’s fearless centuries to Marizanne Kapp’s lethal spells. These athletes have become household names, not because of publicity, but because of performance.
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The Battle Beyond the Boundary: Visibility and Value
When fans were asked how popular women’s cricket is compared to men’s in their countries, 19.6% said it is almost equal, 15 % said it is not popular at all. 24.4% strongly believe that it is still far behind men’s cricket, 41% respondent believe that women’s cricket is fast gaining popularity.
But the bigger picture is that even where coverage is low, interest is high. That’s a sign of a sport growing from the ground up.
Today, fandom no longer waits for TV slots. Highlights go viral on social media, and communities rally around women’s leagues.
When asked what would make them watch more women’s cricket, respondents chose:
Fans are not indifferent. They are interested but underserved.
Brands and broadcasters must pay attention. Equality in sports isn’t a debate anymore; it’s momentum. The audience is ready; the players are ready. Now the spotlight just needs to stay on.
Sponsorship and Support
Women’s cricket doesn’t just deserve more coverage; it deserves more investment.
When asked if brands should sponsor more women’s cricket events, 88% said yes.
That includes 95% of respondents in India and 91% in South Africa — two nations where cricket is almost religion.
This matters because it is also about validation. It’s about telling every young girl swinging a bat that her dream is just as valuable as her brother’s.
Major brands have begun to recognize this shift. From sportswear companies designing women-specific gear to broadcasters committing airtime to women’s tournaments, the industry is slowly aligning with public sentiment.
But fans want faster progress. In India and Australia, 7 in 10 fans believe that sponsorships and the launch of women’s leagues like the WPL have created new icons and inspired more girls to play professionally.
A Global Emotion: Pride, Inspiration, and Hope
When respondents were asked what emotion best describes their feeling toward women’s cricket, 33% said excitement, 42,2% said hope, and remaining were skeptical.
From India to South Africa, women athletes are no longer seen as “breaking stereotypes” — they’re defining them.
Even in countries where cricket isn’t mainstream, like the USA or KSA, women’s sports have become a reflection of empowerment and progress. The debate is no longer about breaking into a man’s world. It’s about building a new one where every athlete has a fair shot.
Media’s Role: The Mirror and the Missing Piece
When fans rated media coverage of women’s sports, 46% said it’s improving but still “not fair enough,” 33% called it “unequal,” and only 21% felt it’s “balanced.”
Media shapes perception. When a men’s series gets prime-time attention and a women’s championship is tucked away in highlights, it sends a message, be it intentional or not.
The last few years, however, have seen change. Record-breaking viewership numbers, dynamic social-media storytelling, and highlight reels of women’s victories have changed how the world watches cricket.
The demand for fair media coverage is a requirement now. Because representation creates recognition and recognition fuels progress.
From Dream to Career
When young girls see women lifting trophies, signing endorsements, or being analyzed by commentators, something changes in their hearts — possibility feels personal.
In our survey, 82% of respondents across countries said young girls today are more inspired to play cricket than ever before.
A decade ago, cricket was often seen as a “boy’s sport.” Today, schools, academies, and communities are nurturing young female talent with seriousness and pride. Parents are encouraging daughters to pursue cricket professionally and not just recreationally.
The Global Pulse: Which Women’s Sport Leads the Charge
When asked which women’s sport has gained the most recognition globally:
Cricket being in the top three itself is a major leap. A decade ago, it barely registered outside a few countries. Now it’s part of a global conversation about sporting equality.
From the Southern Stars in Australia to the Women in Blue in India, women’s cricket has created heroes who inspire beyond borders.
What Can Boost Women’s Sports Further
Survey participants offered thoughtful suggestions on what could accelerate the growth of women’s sports:
But one answer stood out in open-ended responses: respect.
Because at the core of equality lies acknowledgment of effort, talent, and achievement. The more we celebrate women athletes as professionals, the stronger the ecosystem becomes.
