Prarthana Hazarika
Guwahati, June 17: The rise of Indian women’s cricket from playing before sparse crowds to drawing packed stadiums and millions of television viewers is one of the most remarkable success stories in modern sport, according to former India cricketer Gargi Banerjee.
Speaking exclusively to the writer of this article, Banerjee credited the emergence of franchise-based leagues around the world for changing the landscape of women’s cricket and giving the game unprecedented visibility.
“The transformation of women’s cricket from an ignored game with deserted stands to a spectacle played before packed stadiums has been extraordinary. A major catalyst has been the introduction of franchise cricket globally, particularly Australia’s WBBL, India’s Women’s Premier League and England’s The Hundred. These tournaments have brought significant marketing, high television viewership and created role models who have inspired young girls to take up the sport,” Banerjee said.
Women’s cricket has witnessed a dramatic shift over the past decade. What was once considered a niche sport now commands prime-time television slots, lucrative sponsorship deals and growing fan engagement. The success of the Indian women’s team on the international stage has further fuelled interest in the game.
Banerjee believes the Women’s Premier League has played a defining role in accelerating that growth. The tournament has provided Indian players with a professional platform while allowing them to compete alongside some of the biggest names in world cricket.
“The WPL has changed the perception of women’s cricket. It has given players greater exposure, financial security and the confidence to perform on the biggest stage. Young cricketers can now dream of making a career out of the sport,” she said.
The former India cricketer also praised the efforts of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and state associations in strengthening the foundations of the women’s game.
“The BCCI and all the state associations have done tremendous work for women’s cricket. Investments in infrastructure, grassroots programmes and domestic competitions have created a strong pathway for aspiring players across the country,” Banerjee added.
The impact of these initiatives is evident in the growing popularity of players such as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma, who have become household names and role models for the next generation.
While India is still chasing its maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, the journey from empty stands to packed stadiums highlights how far the women’s game has come. With increasing investment, professional opportunities and public support, Indian women’s cricket appears poised for an even brighter future.
