The women's T20 World Cup has catalysed unprecedented growth in cricket, with participation and viewership rising by 40% since the 2024 tournament, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The surge is most pronounced in England and India, where grassroots programmes and broadcast deals have expanded the sport's reach.
Record Viewership and Participation
The ICC reported that the 2026 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka attracted over 1.2 billion views globally, a 25% increase from the previous edition. Women's cricket now accounts for 30% of total cricket viewership, up from 20% in 2022. Participation among girls aged 8-16 has doubled in England and tripled in India since 2020, driven by school programmes and community leagues.
"The growth is phenomenal," said Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager of Cricket. "The T20 format has made the game more accessible, and the World Cup has inspired a new generation."
England and India Lead the Way
England's women's team, which reached the semi-finals in 2026, has seen a 50% rise in domestic league attendance. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has invested £20 million in women's cricket since 2022, funding academies and coaching in state schools. India, which won the tournament, has seen a 60% increase in registered female players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has launched a dedicated women's T20 league, attracting top international talent.
"India's victory has been a game-changer," said Mithali Raj, former India captain. "Girls now see cricket as a viable career."
Infrastructure and Investment
The ICC has allocated $100 million for women's cricket development over the next four years, targeting 20 member nations. New Zealand, South Africa, and the UAE have reported doubling their female participation rates since 2024. The next T20 World Cup, scheduled for 2028 in Australia, is expected to further boost growth.
Challenges remain, including pay parity and media coverage. However, the ICC's head of women's cricket, Holly Colvin, noted that "the momentum is unstoppable. We are seeing record sponsorship deals and broadcast rights."
