Exclusive: Why is Women's Cricket in India Not as Famous as Men's Cricket?

Cricket is a major part of life in India. Men’s cricket, in particular, attracts huge crowds and endless excitement. We see packed stadiums and a lot of media coverage. But when it comes to women’s cricket, it hasn’t gained the same level of fame. Here’s why I think this is the case, from my personal perspective.

A Personal Journey

Growing up, I didn’t know much about women’s cricket. I didn’t know any of the players because their matches were rarely shown on TV, and the media didn’t cover their games much. My family always watched men’s cricket together on TV. We would sit around, share our excitement, and express our emotions throughout the matches. At school, we talked endlessly about men’s cricket—discussing great performances, the IPL, our favorite teams, and even bantering with fans of losing teams. But women’s cricket was hardly ever mentioned.

I realized that most people didn’t know much about women’s cricket either. It seemed like there wasn’t much awareness or discussion about it. The women’s team hadn’t achieved something big enough to grab widespread attention. However, things started to change a few years ago. The Indian women’s cricket team began to make headlines, especially after winning the T20I Asia Cup three times—in 2012, 2016, and 2022. They also earned a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

When I first began learning about women’s cricket, I started watching their matches, but mostly just the major tournaments. During the 2020 World Cup, when the Indian women’s team lost to Australia, I felt disappointed. I found myself criticizing their performance and comparing them to the men’s team. It was a tough moment for me, as I struggled to understand why the women’s team wasn’t performing as well.

But over time, I came to realize that women’s cricket is still in its early stages of gaining popularity. It’s an emerging sport with a lot of potential, and we’ll see many more talented players in the future. Despite the challenges, the women’s team has achieved so much and continues to push their limits.

These are the reasons I believe the Women’s Cricket Team hasn’t received the recognition it deserves:

The Popularity Gap

1. History and Tradition

Men’s cricket in India has a rich history, filled with iconic players and landmark victories. Events like the 1983 World Cup win have helped cement the sport’s popularity. Women’s cricket, being newer, doesn’t yet have a similar major event that has captured widespread attention.

2. Media Coverage and Support

The media plays a big role in making sports popular. Men’s cricket gets a lot of coverage, while women’s cricket doesn’t get as much attention. This lack of media coverage means fewer people hear about women’s cricket and it gets less sponsorship.

3. Facilities and Investment

Men’s cricket benefits from excellent facilities and support. Women’s cricket is still catching up, and there’s not as much investment in the sport, which affects its growth and visibility.

4. Cultural Attitudes

Cricket is deeply rooted in Indian culture, but the focus has traditionally been on men’s cricket. Women’s cricket faces challenges due to cultural attitudes and gender stereotypes. Changing these attitudes is crucial for growing the sport.

5. Role Models

Famous cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli help boost the popularity of men’s cricket. While there are talented female cricketers, they don’t yet have the same level of recognition. More prominent female players could help raise the profile of women’s cricket.

6. Development from the Grassroots

Strong development programs are essential for nurturing talent. Men’s cricket has many academies and talent programs. Women’s cricket is improving in this area, but there’s still work to be done to ensure young female players get the support they need.

Looking Ahead

Even though women’s cricket isn’t as popular as men’s cricket right now, things are getting better. We’re seeing more media coverage and growing interest. Players like Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur are helping to change how people see women’s cricket.

A Growing Future

Despite these challenges, the future of women’s cricket in India is promising. We’ve seen significant progress in recent years, with increased media coverage, more competitive tournaments, and a growing fan base. The performances of players like Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur are gradually changing perceptions and building a platform for greater recognition.

In conclusion, while women’s cricket in India hasn’t reached the same level of fame as men’s cricket, it’s on an upward trajectory. The journey toward equality in sports is ongoing, and as we continue to invest in and support women’s cricket, I believe we’ll see it rise to new heights. It’s an exciting time for the sport, and I’m hopeful that in the near future, women’s cricket will command the same respect and enthusiasm as its male counterpart.