Women's ICC Events: World Cup, T20 World Cup, and the Growth of Women's Cricket
Women's cricket has its own ICC World Cup (since 1973), T20 World Cup, and bilateral series. This guide covers women's ICC events, the biggest matches in women's cricket history, and how the professional landscape has transformed with WPL, The Hundred, and pay equity improvements.
Women's cricket predates men's ODI cricket by centuries — the first women's cricket club was formed in 1887 in England, and the first women's Test was played in 1934. The women's Cricket World Cup (1973) was actually held before the men's World Cup (1975) — making it the older tournament. Despite this history, professional women's cricket only became genuinely viable after 2010, with central contracts, ICC events, and franchise leagues transforming the financial sustainability of women's cricket careers.
The Women's Cricket World Cup
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup has been held since 1973. Australia have dominated with eight titles (including six in a row from 1978 to 1997). England have won four; West Indies one; India one (as co-hosts in 1978). The modern tournament features eight teams competing over 30 days of ODI cricket. India's 2017 Women's World Cup final at Lord's (losing to England by 9 runs) generated 180 million TV viewers — the breakthrough moment for women's cricket's global audience.
Women's T20 World Cup
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup began in 2009. Australia have dominated with six titles. England, West Indies, and India have each won once. The format expands to 10 teams for the 2024 edition, held in the UAE and Bangladesh — reflecting women's cricket's global growth. The West Indies' 2016 victory was led by Stafanie Taylor, while India's 2020 run to the final was driven by Shafali Verma's explosive opening batting.
WPL and Franchise Cricket
The Women's Premier League (WPL) launched in India in 2023 — five franchise teams competing in 22 matches. The WPL has transformed women's cricket economically — Indian and overseas players earn sums previously impossible in women's cricket. England's The Hundred (2021) was another landmark, providing fully equal prize money and televised coverage alongside the men's tournament. These changes are accelerating the convergence of professional standards between women's and men's cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Who has won the most Women's Cricket World Cups?
Australia have won the most Women's Cricket World Cups with eight titles, including six consecutive titles from 1978 to 1997. England have won four times and are the defending champions as of 2026.
When was the first Women's Cricket World Cup?
The first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup was held in England in 1973 — two years before the men's World Cup in 1975. It was won by England.
What is the WPL?
The Women's Premier League (WPL) is India's franchise T20 cricket competition for women, launched in 2023. It features five teams and has significantly improved financial opportunities for both Indian and overseas women cricketers.