Full Breakdown
Increasing Participation of Women in Cricket in India: A 2026 Study
3/14/2026, 1:22:57 PM
Overview of the Study Findings
A recent study commissioned by the BBC and Collective Newsroom reveals a significant increase in women's participation in cricket across 14 Indian states. The proportion of women who play cricket has doubled from 5% in 2020 to 10% in 2026. Notably, participation among young women aged 15 to 24 has surged from 6% to 16%. The gender gap in cricket participation has narrowed, with three men playing for every woman, compared to a previous ratio of five to one.
Key Demographics and Trends
The study, which surveyed 10,304 respondents aged 15 and older, indicates that 40% of women who play cricket do so at least once a week. Additionally, 26% of young women have considered a career in sports, up from 16% in 2020. The findings suggest that young women are driving the changes in both participation and viewership of women's sports. Approximately 51% of respondents reported following women's sports coverage in the past six months, a figure that is approaching the 63% following men's sports.
Impact of Recent Achievements
The increase in participation and viewership is attributed to the recent successes of Indian sportswomen, including notable achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Indian women's cricket team's victory in the World Cup on home soil in 2025. These milestones appear to inspire greater interest in women's sports, with 43% of respondents having attended women's sporting events in the last six months.
Continuing Challenges and Stereotypes
Despite the progress, the study highlights persistent challenges. Approximately 43% of respondents believe women's sports are less entertaining than men's, a rise from 38% in 2020. Additionally, nearly half of the respondents think that sportswomen should conform to traditional standards of attractiveness, with women more likely than men to hold this view. Time constraints remain a significant barrier, with 65% of those not participating in sports citing lack of time as the primary reason.
Official Statements and Responses
Tim Awford, Regional Director for South Asia at BBC News, expressed optimism about the rising participation and viewership of women in sports, emphasizing the BBC's commitment to promoting sportswomen's stories. Rupa Jha, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of Collective Newsroom, acknowledged both the progress made and the ongoing barriers, urging for further discussion and action to support women athletes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tim Awford, Regional Director, South Asia, BBC News, said: “It is encouraging to see that more Indian women are playing, following and watching sport compared with 2020.” — Tim Awford, Regional Director, South Asia, BBC News
- “The findings show both progress and continuing barriers. While participation and viewership are rising fast, stereotypes and practical challenges remain. We hope this data will prompt further discussion and action to support women athletes.” — Rupa Jha, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of Collective Newsroom
Conclusion
The 2026 study underscores a transformative period for women's cricket in India, marked by increased participation and viewership, driven largely by young women and recent successes in the sporting arena. However, it also reveals the need to address enduring stereotypes and practical barriers that continue to hinder full participation in sports.
