When India last hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2013, the tournament barely registered on the public radar. Sparse crowds trickled into stadiums, venues were shuffled at the last minute, and few players were widely recognized. Posters and promotions were minimal, and attending matches often required navigating cumbersome on site procedures.
Fast forward twelve years, and the transformation is striking. With packed stadiums, broadcast deals, thriving T20 leagues, and globally recognized stars, women’s ODI cricket has come of age. Former Australian all rounder Lisa Sthalekar recalls the contrast vividly: “In 2013, stands were hardly full. Now, with leagues like the WPL, selling out venues is the norm. I hope this World Cup continues that trend.”
The 2017 World Cup, where India finished runners-up, marked a turning point. Since then, stars like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana have become household names, while visibility and fan engagement have soared. Former India captain Anjum Chopra highlights not just the coverage, but the evolution of the game itself: “The power game has improved significantly. Scores have risen, strategies have evolved, and players now bring a level of intensity that was rare a decade ago.”
Statistically, the shift is clear. Since 2022, 34 scores above 300 have been recorded in women’s ODIs, with India’s average run rate at 5.57. Already in 2025, 203 sixes have been hit, nearly matching the 208 sixes of the entire 2017 tournament. Experts credit the rise of T20 leagues such as WPL, Big Bash, and The Hundred for developing power-hitting skills and competitive experience.
Financially, the stakes are higher too. The ICC has set a record prize pool of $13.88 million for the 2025 World Cup, a near fourfold increase from 2022. “This prize pool is a signal that women’s cricket is finally getting its due,” says Anjum Chopra. “It inspires young players to pursue the sport professionally, offering recognition, financial support, and a clear pathway to success.”
Players today enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, international exposure, and professional contracts. India’s preparation for this World Cup included tours to England and matches against reigning champions Australia—far from the informal practice matches of a decade ago. Fan engagement has also grown, with dedicated groups like Bucket Hat Cult traveling to cheer on women cricketers.
Experts agree that this momentum will continue. Dinesha Devnarain of South Africa notes, “With global investment, better infrastructure, and growing viewership, women’s cricket is only going to get bigger. Young girls now see a viable career in the sport.”
As the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup unfolds, the game has truly arrived on the world stage. From struggling for recognition in 2013 to commanding respect and attention in 2025, women’s cricket has established itself as a powerhouse of skill, professionalism, and inspiration—a revolution decades in the making.