Full Breakdown
Growth of Women's Cricket in India: A Comprehensive Study
3/14/2026, 10:17:59 AM
Increasing Participation and Viewership
A recent BBC study conducted across 14 Indian states reveals a significant rise in women's participation in cricket, with the proportion of women playing the sport doubling from 5% in 2020 to 10% in 2026. This increase is particularly pronounced among young women aged 15 to 24, where participation has surged from 6% to 16%. The study, which surveyed 10,304 respondents, indicates that cricket has solidified its status as the most played sport among women in these states, surpassing kabaddi. The gender gap in cricket participation has also narrowed, with three men playing for every woman, compared to a ratio of five to one in 2020.
Context of Achievements
The rise in participation coincides with notable achievements by Indian sportswomen, including the Indian women's cricket team winning its first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2025 and securing ten medals at the 2024 Paralympics. These successes have inspired increased viewership, with 51% of respondents following women's sports coverage in the past six months, a figure that is now only 10 percentage points behind men's sports coverage.
Challenges and Societal Attitudes
Despite the progress, the study highlights persistent societal attitudes that challenge women's participation in sports. Approximately 43% of respondents believe that women's sports are less entertaining than men's, an increase from 38% in 2020. Additionally, nearly half of the respondents feel that sportswomen should conform to traditional standards of femininity, with women more likely than men to agree with this sentiment. Time constraints remain a significant barrier, with two-thirds of respondents citing lack of time as a reason for not participating in sports.
Official Statements & Responses
Rupa Jha, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of Collective Newsroom, emphasized the dual nature of the findings, stating, "While participation and viewership are rising fast, stereotypes and practical challenges remain." The study's methodology, conducted by Kantar India, aimed to ensure comparability with the previous survey from 2020, maintaining a consistent questionnaire while expanding the sample's demographic representation.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the current state of women's sports in India point to the ongoing stereotypes and societal expectations that hinder full acceptance and support for female athletes. The study's findings suggest that while progress is evident, the underlying biases and barriers need to be addressed to foster a more inclusive environment for women in sports.
What's Next
As the ICC Women's T20 World Cup approaches in 2026, the focus will be on leveraging this momentum to further enhance participation and support for women's cricket. The event is seen as a pivotal opportunity to not only showcase elite talent but also to strengthen grassroots initiatives that encourage young girls to engage in sports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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
- “We kept believing that the deeper we went into the tournament, the closer we would get to having a real chance of winning,” Deepti Sharma, who received the award alongside Sneh Rana and Aavishkar Salvi said.” — Deepti Sharma, Indian cricketer
This comprehensive study underscores the evolving landscape of women's cricket in India, highlighting both the strides made and the challenges that persist as the sport continues to grow.
