Cricket is a bat-and-ball sport that is played between two teams of eleven players on a field that has a wicket at each end made up of two nails balanced on three stumps. The pitch measures 22 yards (20 meters) in length. The batting side scores runs by hitting the ball bowled at one of the wickets with the bat and then running between the wickets. The bowling and fielding side tries to prevent this and dismisses each batter. Today, it is majorly played in three different formats: T20, ODI (One Day International), and Test cricket. T20 is where each side plays 20 overs each (each over comprising 6 balls). In an ODI, each side gets to play 50 overs each and a test match lasts for 5 days.
Cricket was heard of for the first time in South East England in the middle of the 16th century. With the first few international matches played in the latter half of the 19th century, it spread across the globe as the British Empire continued to grow its clutches over the world. The International Cricket Council (ICC), which has over 100 members and 12 full members who participate in Test matches, is the authority that oversees the sport. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in London is responsible for upholding the Laws of Cricket, which govern the game. South Asia, Australasia, the United Kingdom, Southern Africa, and the West Indies are the regions where the sport is most popular. The popularity of the sport has made it the second most viewed sport in the world, only after football. Cricket today is not just a sport but an emotion.
It started as a “gentlemen’s game”. Hence, initially, only men played the sport. Women’s cricket, which is organized and played independently, has also attained a formidable level of recognition and support on the international stage. Australia is the most successful international cricket team, having won more One Day International titles than any other nation (seven), including five World Cups, and many Test series.
The Trajectory of International Women’s Cricket
The first-ever match was played in Surrey in 1745. Internationally, however, the sport started gaining ground in the 20th century only. The Women’s Cricket Association was founded in England in 1924, despite the fact that the first known women’s cricket match took place in the 18th century. Ten years later, New Zealand and Australia established their own organizations, and it was because of this global expansion that England’s 1934–35 tour of Australia saw the first international games played. Out of the three games, England won two. The International Women’s Cricket Council was established in 1958 as a result of the ongoing expansion of international cricket. In 2005 it merged with ICC. There were eventually five members, but the number kept rising. When India’s first women’s cricket organization was established in 1973, India became a member. In 1973, the first Cricket World Cup of any kind took place when a Women’s World Cup was held in England. On October 1, 2015, the ICC Women’s Rankings, which include all three women’s cricket formats, went live. The Women’s rankings were divided into separate T20I and ODI lists in October 2018, following the ICC’s decision to grant T20 International status to all members.
The Increasing Viewership
The most recent edition of the Women’s World (ODI Format) concluded in the year 2022 (March-April). It was held in New Zealand and was the 12th edition of the event. The final was played between Australia and England where Australian women emerged victorious by 71 runs. The successful conclusion of the event is a testimony to the growth of women’s cricket. The evolution has been fuelled by greater media coverage, increased professionalism, and international competition. The sport has progressed both in terms of quality and in establishing women’s cricket as a brand.
According to the ICC’s report, the Women’s T20 world cup held in Australia was one of the most watched female sports events. A global unique audience of 89 million reportedly witnessed the tournament this time which is a 131 percent increase from the previous edition held in the West Indies. Worldwide viewing hours went up from 55.9 million to 113.5 million, a 103 percent jump. Seventy-six percent of this global viewing was in India, while live coverage hours went up around the world by 62 percent to 1,529. The final, which saw hosts Australia thrash India by 85 runs, was the most-watched match with 53 million tuning in. In addition to the television figures, there were more than a billion views on the ICC’s digital channels, 20 times the amount recorded in 2018. This was also 10 times the amount recorded at the previous most successful women’s cricket tournament, the 2017 Women’s World Cup in England. Only the Men’s Cricket World Cup in England in 2019 can be considered more successful out of all ICC events, the governing body said.
The Mankad Incident
At Lord’s, England was hanging onto the prospect of a dramatic one-wicket victory. At that point, Deepti Sharma, who had feigned to bowl the ball but hadn’t and had pulled off the bails as the batter left her crease, ran out England’s Charlie Dean at the non-end. striker’s Dean broke down in tears, giving India the victory in the game. England felt that the movement was not in the spirit of the game. However, the rules don’t objectify outcomes. What is interesting about this incident is the amount of attention this incident drew from the audience and players alike. Twitter went into a frenzy to accuse and abuse Deepti Sharma. Though excessive trolling is not in the spirit of humanity, this event shows how the media can help women’s cricket bloom.
What to Look out for in the Recent Future
2023 is going to be a historic year. The most loved cricket tournament across the world, the Indian Premier League, is launching its women’s edition, the Women’s Indian Premier League. The sport will surely see an increase in progress through the tournament. This will hone the newer talent thus bringing to the international stage, more seasoned players.
While nothing can be predicted with certainty, all our hearts feel happy when we see a woman playing and growing. All our best wishes to the sport.
