Women's Cricket Explained — Formats, ICC Events & How It Differs
Women's cricket follows the same laws as men's cricket but has some differences in rules and format. Learn about Women's Tests, ODIs, T20Is, the ICC Women's World Cup, Women's T20 World Cup, and franchise leagues like the WPL.
Women's cricket is played under the same Laws of Cricket as men's cricket, with a handful of key differences in equipment and format. The game has grown exponentially in the 21st century: the first Women's World Cup (1973) predated the men's equivalent (1975), and today women's matches are broadcast globally and played in packed stadiums.
Key differences: women's vs men's cricket
| Feature | Women's | Men's |
|---|---|---|
| Ball circumference | Smaller (21–22.5 cm) | Larger (22.4–22.9 cm) |
| ODI overs | 50 per team | 50 per team |
| Test duration | Up to 5 days | Up to 5 days |
| T20 format | Identical | Identical |
| Follow-on margin (Test) | 150 runs | 200 runs |
| Boundary size | Same (60–90 yards) | Same |
ICC Women's major events
- ICC Women's Cricket World Cup (50-over ODI): held every 4 years, first staged in 1973. England and Australia each hold record multiple titles.
- ICC Women's T20 World Cup: held every 2 years, first staged in 2009. Australia have dominated, winning 6 of the first 9 editions.
- ICC Women's Championship (ongoing): a points-based league determining automatic qualification for the 50-over World Cup.
- Women's Ashes: Test and limited-overs series between England and Australia, using a multi-format points system.
Franchise leagues for women
Women's cricket franchise leagues have grown rapidly. The Women's Premier League (WPL) — India's equivalent of the IPL — launched in 2023 with 5 franchises and attracted global stars. The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) in Australia is one of the longest-running (since 2015) and highest-quality women's franchise tournaments. England has The Hundred (mixed with women's competition playing alongside the men's).
Women's Test cricket
Women's Tests are played over 4 days (not 5) with a follow-on after a 150-run deficit (men's is 200 runs). Women's Tests are still rare — most international Women's cricket is T20I and ODI. However, a multi-format Women's Ashes series earns points for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is combined, giving Tests renewed importance.
Frequently asked questions
Is women's cricket the same as men's cricket?
Women's cricket follows the same Laws of Cricket, but with a slightly smaller ball, a 4-day maximum for Tests (not 5), and a 150-run follow-on threshold (men's is 200 runs). Formats (Test, ODI, T20I) and scoring systems are identical.
Who has won the most Women's T20 World Cups?
Australia have won the most Women's T20 World Cups — 7 titles as of 2026 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2023, 2026). England (2009) and West Indies (2016) are the other title-holders. India were the 2020 runner-up. Australia's 2026 win came at Lord's (beating England 7 wickets), cementing their historic dominance.
What is the WPL in cricket?
The WPL (Women's Premier League) is India's women's franchise T20 league, launched in 2023. Five city-based franchises compete, with players recruited at auction. The WPL is India's equivalent of the IPL for women and has raised pay and profile for women's cricketers globally.