Transition in women’s cricket after inclusion of WPL 

Cricket has always been known as the ‘gentlemen’s game’ which has invariably been dominated by men. Initially BCCI too only regulated men’s cricket and it was just recently in 2006 when the Women’s Cricket Association of India merged with the BCCI and the latter started considering the requirements of the female athletes. Consequently, we are seeing an accelerated transition as more steps are being taken by the board to promote women’s cricket. In fact, a lot has changed after the inclusion of the Women's Premier League.

In this article we will discuss the major changes in women’s cricket that have helped marginally in the development of the sport, particularly after the inclusion of WPL. 

Global competitiveness 

WPL merged both the domestic and the international players and brought them in a single domain. This has helped in the growth of women’s cricket as junior players get various opportunities of learning from the senior players, be it on the ground or off the ground. Players like Smriti Mandhana, Ellyse Perry are in the same ecosystem as a young cricketer, this is helping the latter in learning from the best in business. 

Franchise cricket 

After the introduction of WPL, popularity of franchise cricket has increased in the domestic circuit as well. State associations are also willingly conducting it and hence it is helping in providing the right stage to domestic players. Players at junior level are learning the tactics to handle match pressure, and this is making them a better player both skill wise and mental strength wise. Thus, preparing them for bigger platforms. 

Increase in match fee

Both at international and domestic level, the match fee of female cricketers has increased significantly. In fact, at international level, it is equivalent to the men's team now. Because of financial stability provided by the board now, more young cricketers are willing to pursue a full time career, which was not the case earlier.

Prize money introduced in domestic matches 

The prize money for winning a championship in the domestic circuit has also notably increased. This has provided the players a motivation to perform even better and one can see hunger within the girls to grab the trophy.

Increase in number of participants 

Earlier a handful of players used to play cricket, but now, with so many opportunities, more and more parents are willing to put their children in this sport. Cricket is no longer a male dominant sport. Slowly and steadily an equality is coming between both the genders, which itself is an indicator of development of the sport and the society in general. More and more players are willing to take up the sport professionally. 

Increase in number of domestic matches- introduced U15, days zone game etc 

Since the number of participants are increasing, the BCCI has introduced the U15, days game in women’s cricket now. This is opening new arenas in the sport as opportunities are now