Not many realise that cricket’s inaugural Women’s World Cup actually preceded the men’s event. The women took the field for their first World Cup in 1973, two years before Clive Lloyd’s West Indians lifted the men’s crown. From moving away from underarm bowling to embracing professionalism, the women have often been trailblazers of our great game.

For far too long, women’s cricket was left sitting in the pavilion while the men played on, short on attention, recognition and finances. But the ongoing Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka shows that the tide has turned. The women’s game is fast becoming cricket’s next big ticket.

Kerry Packer revolutionised the sport in 1977 and T20 cricket did the same decades later. If Packer brought colour to the game, T20 brought fortune, raising pay packets twenty-fold. Now, women’s cricket is having its own watershed moment. Recognition, respect and rewards are finally flowing in, creating more jobs and opportunities around the game.

Cricket’s administrators, having read the pitch perfectly, have boosted prize money significantly. Teams in this year’s Women’s World Cup are earning four times more than in the previous edition. The men’s 2023 World Cup had a prize pool of USD 10 million, while the ongoing women’s event has already touched nearly USD 14 million, a massive leap forward.

With every match televised and accessible via the newly launched ICC TV platform, fans can now stream games from anywhere, on screens big or small. That visibility is worth its weight in gold and will not just grow women’s cricket but the sport as a whole.

A few years ago, some boards had the foresight to introduce equal match fees for men and women, a bold step towards levelling the playing field. Now, with parity in pay and exposure, participation is bound to skyrocket.

Once upon a time, women’s cricket was confined mostly to World Cups or the odd Ashes series between England and Australia. But the game has spread its wings. The ICC now promotes more bilateral tours and women’s teams are constantly on the road. Just last month, Sri Lanka hosted the Australian Under-19 women in Dambulla, a sign of healthy expansion.

India’s surge has been a major catalyst. The Women’s Premier League, the female version of the IPL, has captured the imagination with its mix of colour, competition and glamour. Once more franchises join the fold, it’ll be another game changer.

Many in Sri Lanka may quietly wish India stumble, but there’s no denying that India’s robust system, deep pockets and relentless drive have made them a powerhouse. Should they lift this World Cup, or any global crown in coming years, the ripple effect will be enormous. Already, Indian women cricketers are gracing billboards and television commercials. Most players are already household names. A world title could do much more.

Women’s sport, from basketball to volleyball, has long been thriving globally and cricket has finally caught up. India’s record crowds are proof of the growing appetite, though Sri Lanka still has some catching up to do. Attendance at the R. Premadasa Stadium has been underwhelming so far, but if Chamari Atapattu’s side can pull off a win or two on home turf, the stands will surely fill.

In the past two years, Sri Lanka’s women have punched above their weight with giant-killing performances. Expect them to play fearless cricket and give this campaign a real shake.

by Rex Clementine ✍️