Sharp Increase In Indian Women’s Participation In Cricket: New Study

New Delhi: Women’s cricket in India has grown exponentially in India, doubling in 14 states since 2020, according to a study commissioned by the BBC and Collective Newsroom. The survey of more than 10,000 women found that the share of women who say they play cricket has increased from five per cent in 2020 to 10 per cent now. Young women’s participation is growing even faster; 16 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds say they play cricket, up from six per cent in 2020.

“The research also reveals that one in four young women aged 15 to 24 consider sports as a career option,” according to the study.

The Indian women’s cricket team has been on the rise of late, winning their first ODI World Cup and defeating Australia in a three-match bilateral T20I series for the first time in a decade; this may also contribute to the growing popularity of the sport.

Cricket has surpassed kabaddi, the traditional sport that has long been a favorite in India’s hinterlands, by a wide margin.

“Cricket has also strengthened its position as the most played sport for women in the surveyed states. It narrowly overtook kabaddi in 2020, but new figures show it is now firmly ahead.

“Participation increased in most districts. All but two of the surveyed states reported an increase in the number of women playing cricket. In Uttar Pradesh, participation levels increased 10-fold, from one per cent to 10 per cent. The gender gap in cricket participation also narrowed among the states covered.”

The study also shows that for every woman who plays cricket, three men play the sport; This ratio increased to five to one in 2020.

When it comes to career interest, 26 percent of young women ages 15 to 24 say they are considering a career in sports; this rate was 16 percent in 2020; the highest levels were reported in Tamil Nadu (27 percent), Madhya Pradesh (19 percent) and Meghalaya (19 percent).

Participation in badminton has also increased among women surveyed, especially in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

However, the report states that more women may be interested in sports if safety concerns are properly addressed.

“13 percent of women who do no sports cite safety concerns as a barrier.”

Rupa Jha, Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of Collective Newsroom, said: “The findings show both progress and ongoing barriers. While engagement and viewership are growing rapidly, stereotypes and practical challenges remain.

“We hope this data will lead to greater discussion and action to support female athletes.”