How is the fan base for women's cricket in India?

Introduction:

Over the past decade, women’s cricket in India has undergone a remarkable transformation. From limited media coverage and lukewarm spectator interest to packed stadiums and nationwide adoration, the fan base for women’s cricket is finally gaining the recognition it has long deserved.

The Turning Point

A significant shift occurred during the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, when India reached the final under the leadership of Mithali Raj. The gripping performances of players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jhulan Goswami drew massive attention. Although India narrowly lost the final to England, the match ignited nationwide interest and changed the perception of women’s cricket overnight. Millions tuned in to watch, social media buzzed with admiration, and the players became household names.

Since then, Indian women's cricket has consistently built a loyal and growing fan base. This has been fueled by more televised matches, increased media attention, and greater investment from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Role of Social Media and Branding

One of the key drivers behind the growing popularity is social media. Indian women cricketers are active on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, where they engage directly with fans. This has helped humanize the players, offering glimpses into their personalities, training routines, and lives off the field. Smriti Mandhana, for example, has become a style and sports icon for young fans, while Harmanpreet Kaur's aggressive batting style continues to win hearts.

Sponsorships and brand endorsements have also played a role. As players become more visible, brands are eager to associate with them, which further boosts their public profiles and extends their reach to non-traditional cricket fans.

Ground-Level Support and Viewership

India’s cricket-crazy population is slowly but surely extending its love to the women’s game. With the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023, the momentum accelerated. The tournament not only drew large TV audiences but also brought fans into stadiums in large numbers, a sight rarely seen before for women’s matches.

Grassroots initiatives and school-level tournaments have also contributed to building a deeper base of support. Young girls now have more visible role models in cricket, inspiring them to take up the sport and follow the national team closely.

Challenges Still Remain

Despite the progress, challenges persist. Women’s cricket still doesn’t enjoy the same level of infrastructure, coverage, or frequency of matches as the men’s game. Stadiums aren’t always full, and domestic matches can still go unnoticed.

However, the trajectory is clear — the fan base is growing. More importantly, it's becoming more vocal, engaged, and supportive.

Conclusion

India’s fan base for women’s cricket is no longer a small niche; it is a rising wave. With continued support, media coverage, and institutional backing, women's cricket is poised to become a permanent fixture in the hearts of Indian sports fans. The journey is far from over, but the stands are louder, the screens are brighter, and the fans are finally showing up — not just for the game, but for the women redefining it. For more such informative blogs, visit- https://www.rirosports.com/