Women’s and Girls’ Cricket: Growing Opportunities and Training Tips

Women’s cricket is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity and opportunity. From record-breaking crowds at international tournaments to the rise of professional leagues like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia, the landscape for female cricketers has never been more exciting. This comprehensive guide explores the global growth of women’s cricket, profiles rising stars, and offers practical advice for girls and women eager to start or advance their cricket journey in India, the UK, and Australia.

The Global Rise of Women’s Cricket

Record-Breaking Events and Growing Viewership

• Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was a landmark event, drawing nearly 91,030 fans during the tournament and a 30% increase in in-stadia viewership compared to previous editions. The final between New Zealand and South Africa saw 21,457 fans in attendance—a 68% jump from the last final—while the India vs. Pakistan group match set a new record for group stage attendance with 15,935 spectators.

• Women’s Premier League (WPL): The WPL has rapidly become one of the most anticipated cricket events in India, featuring top domestic and international talent and showcasing emerging stars. The 2025 edition is expected to be the most competitive yet, with new faces set to make a mark.

• WBBL in Australia: The Women’s Big Bash League has consistently shattered viewership records, with its debut on Network Ten’s main channel drawing an average of 372,000 viewers and peaking at 439,000 for a single match. These numbers surpass many men’s domestic competitions, highlighting the league’s mass appeal.

• Increasing Female Audience: In India, women’s engagement with cricket is soaring. During a recent IPL season, female viewership grew by 18% to 10.3 million impressions, with 145 million women aged 15+ tuning in, reflecting the sport’s broadening appeal.

Expert Insight:“Women’s cricket is reaching new heights, and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE is a shining example of the sport’s expanding impact. The impressive turnout demonstrates the growing global support for women’s cricket and the potential for hosting elite women’s sport in this region.”— Geoff Allardice, ICC Chief Executive

Profiles of Rising Female Cricket Stars

The new generation of female cricketers is making headlines with their talent, determination, and record-breaking performances. Here are some of the most exciting young players from around the world:

Country	Player	Notable Achievements
Australia	Phoebe Litchfield	Youngest WBBL player to score a fifty; century for Australia vs. Ireland at age 20
Bangladesh	Fariha Trisna	Two T20I hat-tricks; spearheading Bangladesh’s bowling attack
England	Alice Capsey	Debuted for Surrey at 15; England international at 17; all-rounder with bat and ball
India	Shreyanka Patil	Starred in domestic cricket; key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore in WPL
New Zealand	Suzie Bates	Most-capped international player (334 matches); first to 4,000 T20I runs

Spotlight: Indian TalentSimran Shaikh, the biggest buy of WPL 2025, is known for her aggressive batting and fielding prowess, and is expected to be a game-changer for Gujarat Giants this season.

How to Start or Advance Your Cricket Journey

India

Local Clubs & Academies:

• Major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi have dedicated cricket academies for girls. Many offer specialized coaching, fitness programs, and exposure to competitive matches.

• School cricket is a vital entry point; inter-school and state tournaments provide a platform for young talent.

Training Tips:

• Focus on basics: Batting stance, bowling action, and fielding drills.

• Join structured programs at reputable academies with experienced coaches.

• Participate in local leagues and school competitions for match experience.

Recommended Equipment:

• Girls should use cricket bats and pads suited to their size and strength. Protective gear like helmets, gloves, leg pads, thigh pads, and abdominal guards are essential for safety and confidence.

• Choose lightweight bats and well-fitted gloves designed for women to ensure comfort and performance.

Balancing Academics and Cricket:

• Create a balanced schedule that allocates time for studies and practice. Prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and communicate with teachers and coaches about your commitments.

• Parental support is crucial—encourage girls to pursue both academics and sports without feeling overwhelmed.

United Kingdom

Clubs & Schools:

• The UK boasts a robust network of girls’ cricket clubs and school programs. Top all-girls schools like Godolphin and Latymer offer excellent facilities and regular fixtures.

• The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) supports female-only coaching courses and cricket camps during school holidays, making it easier for girls to access quality training and role models.

Training Tips:

• Take advantage of holiday camps and club sessions to develop skills year-round.

• Seek out female coaches and mentors who can provide guidance and inspiration.

Opportunities:

• County and national age-group teams offer a pathway to elite cricket. Participation in school and club leagues is the first step.

Australia

Clubs & Pathways:

• Cricket Australia’s “Next Innings” strategy has led to a 30% female participation rate at all levels.

• Local clubs and state associations run programs for girls, with clear pathways to the WBBL and national teams.

Coaching & Development:

• Female-only advanced coaching courses, like those launched by Cricket Victoria, empower women as both players and coaches, creating a supportive environment for skill development.

• Mentorship from current and former players is encouraged, with elite players often pursuing coaching certifications to give back to the sport.

Training Tips:

• Emphasize fitness, agility, and technical skills.

• Participate in community programs, holiday clinics, and club competitions to gain experience.

Essential Cricket Equipment for Women and Girls

Choosing the right equipment is crucial for safety and performance:

• Bat: Lightweight, appropriate length, and suited to the player’s strength.

• Pads and Gloves: Designed for female anatomy, offering comfort and protection.

• Helmet: Proper fit is essential for safety.

• Protective Gear: Thigh guards, arm guards, and abdominal guards (yes, for women too).

• Shoes: Cricket-specific shoes with good grip and support.

As you progress, consider upgrading your kit with higher-quality gear to match your skill level and playing frequency.

Coaching Tips Tailored for Female Players

• Skill Development: Focus on building a strong foundation—batting, bowling, fielding, and fitness.

• Strength Training: Incorporate exercises that build core strength, agility, and endurance.

• Mental Toughness: Encourage resilience and a positive mindset. Celebrate small wins to build confidence.

• Role Models: Seek inspiration from established players and coaches. Quotes like “The best way to be successful is to be fearless” by Mithali Raj can motivate young cricketers.

• Female Coaches: Look for clubs and programs with female coaches or mentors, as they provide relatable guidance and foster a supportive environment.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Women’s and girls’ cricket is not just growing—it’s thriving. With increasing opportunities, supportive infrastructure, and a community that celebrates female athletes, there has never been a better time to pursue cricket passionately.

“There have never been more opportunities for women and girls to play cricket. The development of more female coaches, umpires, and administrators is an important next step and can only enrich our great game."

Whether you’re picking up a bat for the first time or dreaming of representing your country, the world of women’s cricket welcomes you. Equip yourself with the right gear, seek quality coaching, and embrace every opportunity—your cricket journey starts now!

Explore gocricit’s expert cricket gear reviews to find the best bats, pads, gloves, and kit bags for your needs. Or connect with our top-rated coaches for personalized training tips. Your cricketing dreams are within reach—prepare smart, play hard, and let your talent shine!

For more expert advice, gear reviews, and cricketing insights, keep visiting gocricit.com. Good luck with your trials!