Mumbai: The advent of social media and the integration of women's cricket into the mainstream have led to a surge in following, paving the way for cricket to become a family viewing experience. The India women's team's success in the 2017 ODI World Cup and 2020 T20 World Cup led to a huge increase in fan frenzy.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) sold 103 matches over a four-year media rights cycle, with India's leading player, JioStar, lapping them up. Although the proceeds were a fraction of the $3 billion from men's cricket, it was seen as healthy progress.
The cost-revenue deficit of the 2025 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup was $31,386 and $24,958, respectively. However, standalone sponsors have been announced for ICC women's events from 2025 onwards, including a landmark partnership with Google and Unilever's Rexona.
The Indian team's superlative performance in the 2025 tournament broke many viewership records, with the India-South Africa final drawing 185 million users to the JioStar app and 92 million on Connected TV.
A YouGov survey of 2,158 adults in the UK found that 42% of women would be watching the women's T20 World Cup for the first time, with 43% of respondents being Gen Z and 38% Millennials.
