Women's Cricket History: From Origins to Global Expansion
The complete history of women's cricket — from its 18th-century English origins through the Women's Ashes, early World Cups, to the explosion in professional opportunities and global broadcast deals in the 2020s.
Women's cricket has a history almost as long as men's cricket — and a trajectory that is now among the fastest-growing in world sport. From informal games in 18th-century England to global broadcast deals, full-time professional contracts, and packed stadiums in the 2020s, women's cricket has transformed.
Origins (18th Century)
The first recorded women's cricket match was played in Surrey, England, in 1745 — between two villages, Bramley and Hambleton. Women's cricket clubs formed in England through the 19th century, though access to facilities and social acceptance varied enormously. The Women's Cricket Association (WCA) was formed in England in 1926, providing an organisational structure for women's cricket.
The Women's Ashes
The Women's Ashes began in 1934–35 when England toured Australia. Women's Ashes Tests have been played approximately every two years since. England have historically dominated the series, but Australia's women's team became dominant from the mid-2010s through outstanding players like Ellyse Perry, Meg Lanning, and Alyssa Healy.
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
The first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup was played in 1973 — two years before the men's first World Cup in 1975. England won the inaugural event. Australia, England, and West Indies have been the most successful nations historically. India won the 2025 Women's T20 World Cup, reflecting the rise of Indian women's cricket under BCCI investment.
Professional Contracts
Central contracts for women cricketers were introduced in England in 2014 (ECB), then by Cricket Australia (CA) and BCCI in subsequent years. Full-time professional women's cricket — where players earn a living from cricket alone — was effectively non-existent before 2014 and is now the standard in most top cricket nations.
The WPL and WBBL
The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) launched in 2015, providing Australia's domestic women cricketers with significant match practice. The Women's Premier League (WPL) launched in India in 2023 — five franchises in an IPL-format competition with substantial prize money and broadcast deals. The WPL reflects the BCCI's largest investment in women's cricket and is expected to accelerate the quality and depth of Indian women's cricket significantly.
Frequently asked questions
When was the first women's cricket match?
The first recorded women's cricket match was in Surrey, England, in 1745 — between Bramley and Hambleton village teams. Women's cricket clubs developed through the 19th century, with the Women's Cricket Association formed in England in 1926.
When was the first Women's Cricket World Cup?
The first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup was played in England in 1973 — two years before the men's first World Cup. England won the inaugural tournament. The event predates the men's equivalent and has been held regularly since.
What is the WPL in cricket?
The Women's Premier League (WPL) is India's women's franchise T20 competition, launched in 2023 by the BCCI. Five city-based franchises — Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Giants, and UP Warriorz — compete in a format modelled on the IPL.