- Ask any true connoisseurs, experts, and crazy fans about the significance of cricket in India. The overwhelming answer will not be surprising at all. All will voice in unison that cricket is not only extremely popular among the majority of the citizens, but also rightly considered as no less than a religion here. The reach, following, acceptance, penetration, and, of course, popularity of the sport need no further elaboration. So much so that even ordinary citizens will become experts, voicing diverse, in-depth opinions about the game in lucid terms. The passion generated by cricket is surreal and can only be experienced by witnessing a marquee event. Little wonder, cricketers are celebrities in their own rights soaking in the unparalleled adulation.
PC: The Sporting News
- However, while men’s cricket grabs tremendous attention all around, the same cannot be mentioned about women’s cricket, which is still at a nascent stage in terms of popularity/acceptance. Most hearteningly, women’s cricket is on the right path to gain deserved attention, but must bide itstime to reach anywhere closer to men. As you know, Indian women delivered as big as it gets by winning the prized ODI World Cup in 2025. And coming close on the heels of the triumph was the Women’s Premier League (WPL). It was logical, therefore, to expect a super buzzy Women’s Premier League in 2026. The recently concluded WPL has delivered good cricket and stories. But women’s cricket is still expected to accept second place. That’s the fact.
PC: IPL.com
- It’s concerning to note that at the WPL’s end, what we have got is a mixed picture. First, let’s look at all the things that worked. There are the players the country has discovered, even as they have found themselves. For instance, Gautami Naik, who became the first Indian uncapped player to score a half-century in WPL. Remember that previous WPLs were crucial to last year’s historic win, by providing a platform for Indian women to hone their skills and nerves with the best in cricket. At the T20 World Cup that takes place from June 12 to July 5 in England, we can hope for that virtuous cycle to repeat itself. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues steering Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, respectively, into the final is a display of their leadership qualities.
PC: Deccan Herald
- Make no mistake, the improvement in the domestic structure for women’s cricket is palpable, especially in T20s. CSK has indicated plans to invest in a women’s team in the future. Currently, WPL holds teams out of Mumbai, Gujarat, and UP, besides Delhi and Bengaluru. Now, onto matters of concern. After that hard-won World Cup, fans had expected the women to get the kind of victory parade that men have received. It didn’t happen. Next, the 4 cities hosting WPL in 2025 shrank to 2 this edition. Matches were played without spectators because of municipal elections in Maharashtra. That the men’s T20 World Cup draws away audience attention is fine; that it sends women to smaller stages is not. Hopefully, a reversal is not too far away for women’s cricket.
