The 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup is about to kick off, featuring eight nations vying for an astounding $13.88 million (approximately ₹123.1 crore) prize purse. This record-breaking prize money, which notably exceeds that of the men’s World Cup, signifies a monumental step forward for women’s cricket. Matches are scheduled across various venues in India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan playing their games in Colombo as part of a neutral venue agreement.
The tournament’s opening match will see co-hosts India take on Sri Lanka in Guwahati. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt eloquently captured the sentiment surrounding the event, stating, "You do get the feeling this could be a seismic moment for the women’s game. I think we’ll all look back on our careers when we’re retired and mark the World Cup in India as a game-changer."
Seven-time champions Australia are once again among the favorites, though their captain, Alyssa Healy, anticipates a formidable challenge. "This is going to be the toughest World Cup we’ve ever been a part of. Australia has a rich history in this format and in World Cups, but I think every single team is going to be tough to beat," Healy commented. Meanwhile, India, having been runners-up twice, is determined to clinch their inaugural title on home turf, where cricket enjoys an unparalleled following among 1.4 billion passionate fans.
The last decade has witnessed remarkable growth in women’s cricket. This surge was highlighted by the launch of Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League in 2015 and India’s Women’s Premier League in 2023, which alone garnered $700 million in franchise and media rights. Indian stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have risen to prominence, attracting significant sponsorships and media attention.
The commitment to equality in the sport is further cemented by ICC chairman Jay Shah’s initiative for equal match fees for both women and men, an effort lauded by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia. Saikia expressed his optimism for the tournament, stating, "You cannot make out whether the boys are playing or girls. The top class skill and the technique will attract eyeballs on television and get the game more fans. Expect packed stadiums at centres across India."
Fans can look forward to a tournament brimming with high-scoring encounters, as participating teams have already surpassed the 300-run mark 34 times since 2022. Both Australia and India have even posted scores exceeding 400 runs once in this period.
Keep an eye out for emerging talents, including Indian fast bowler Kranti Goud, New Zealand batter Georgia Plimmer, England’s Lauren Bell, and South African all-rounder Annerie Dercksen. This marks the fourth occasion India has hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup, following previous editions in 1978, 1997, and 2013. England, who last triumphed in 2017 and were runners-up in 2022, will be striving for their fifth title.
The grand finale is scheduled for November 2, with the specific venue – either Mumbai or Colombo – to be determined based on Pakistan’s progression through the tournament.