Surge in Women's Cricket Participation in India: A Comprehensive Study
Remarkable Increase in Women's Cricket Involvement
A recent extensive study conducted by a prominent media organization and Collective Newsroom reveals that the involvement of women in cricket has seen a twofold increase across 14 Indian states since 2020, as stated in a press release.
Notable Growth in Young Women's Participation
The research indicates that 25% of young women aged 15 to 24 are now considering sports as a viable career path.
The percentage of women who report playing cricket has escalated from 5% in 2020 to 10% in the current findings.
Among young women, the increase is even more pronounced, with 16% of those aged 15 to 24 now participating in cricket, a rise from 6% in 2020.
Cricket's Dominance Among Women's Sports
Cricket has solidified its status as the most popular sport among women in the surveyed states. Previously, it was a close competition with kabaddi, but recent data shows cricket is now leading.
Participation has surged in nearly all regions, with only two states reporting no increase in female cricket players. Notably, Uttar Pradesh has seen a tenfold rise in participation, from 1% to 10%.
Narrowing Gender Gap in Cricket
The gender disparity in cricket participation has also diminished. The study reveals that for every woman playing cricket, three men are involved, compared to a ratio of one woman to five men in 2020.
Influence on Career Aspirations and Viewership
The study highlights broader trends: 26% of young women surveyed have contemplated a career in sports, an increase from 16% in 2020.
The highest interest levels are reported in Tamil Nadu (27%), Madhya Pradesh (19%), and Meghalaya (19%).
Over half (51%) of respondents have engaged with women's sports coverage in the last six months, now just 10 percentage points behind men's sports coverage.
Viewership for the T20 Challenge, a precursor to the Women's Premier League, has risen from 15% in 2020 to 28% currently, nearing the viewership levels of the men's league.
Recent Successes Boosting Interest
The research suggests that the recent achievements of Indian sportswomen may have played a significant role in this growth.
Support for the national team has become the primary reason for following or attending women's sports, overtaking the previous motivation of general interest in sports.
Challenges and Barriers Persist
The study also identifies ongoing challenges: 13% of women who do not participate in sports cite safety concerns as a barrier.
43% of respondents believe that women's sports are less entertaining than men's.
Almost half (46%) think that sportswomen should be attractive, an increase from 37% in 2020, with women more likely than men to hold this view.
65% of those not participating in sports attribute their inactivity to a lack of time.
Expert Insights
Rupa Jha, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of Collective Newsroom, commented, "The findings illustrate both advancements and ongoing obstacles. While participation and viewership are on the rise, stereotypes and practical challenges persist. We hope this data will inspire further dialogue and initiatives to support female athletes."
Study Overview
This study builds on a survey conducted by a global research firm between December 2025 and January 2026, involving over 10,000 individuals aged 15 and older through face-to-face interviews across 14 Indian states.
The results were compared to a similar survey from 2020, part of an initiative that celebrates the achievements of Indian sportswomen.