Women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth far beyond its traditional Commonwealth strongholds. From Brazil’s landmark central contracts in 2020 to the USA’s Olympic preparations, the global map of women’s cricket is being redrawn.
Historically, women’s cricket has been dominated by former and current Commonwealth powers. The top four teams at the latest ICC Women’s World Cup—India, South Africa, England, and Australia—illustrate this dominance. Yet, a new wave of nations is emerging to challenge that balance.
In 2020, Brazil made history by awarding full-time contracts to fourteen female cricketers. At the time, it was the only ICC member nation with contracted women but no contracted men, a reversal of cricket’s traditional structure.
“The rise of women’s cricket beyond its traditional borders is no accident.”
Experts attribute this transformation to structural reforms, Olympic-driven goals, and strategic investment that have drawn fresh talent and funding into the women’s game worldwide.
The surge of women’s cricket signals a reshaping of global sport, as emerging nations invest in talent and build momentum toward the 2028 Olympics.