Women's Cricket History — From 1934 to the Global Boom
The history of women's cricket: the first Test in 1934, the first Women's World Cup in 1973, how the ICC took over governance, the T20 revolution, and the global growth of the women's game.
Women's cricket has a history almost as long as the men's game — the first recorded women's cricket match was played in Surrey, England in 1745. However, the formal history of international women's cricket begins with the first Women's Test match in 1934, between England and Australia at Brisbane.
First Women's World Cup (1973)
The first Women's Cricket World Cup was held in England in 1973 — two years before the men's World Cup in 1975 — making it the first 50-over World Cup in cricket history, for either gender. England won the inaugural tournament, hosted by Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who later became the first female inductee into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
ICC Governance and Growth
The International Women's Cricket Council (IWCC) governed women's cricket separately from the ICC until 2005, when the ICC took over full governance. This merger was transformative: it brought women's cricket under the ICC's commercial umbrella, increasing prize money, broadcast rights, and global attention. Australia, England, and India have been the sport's biggest commercial markets.
T20 Revolution
The Women's T20 World Cup launched in 2009 and became women's cricket's most popular tournament. The 2020 final at Melbourne Cricket Ground drew 86,174 fans — the largest crowd ever for a women's sporting event. India's growing market, driven by the Women's Premier League (WPL) launched in 2023, has added enormous commercial value. Prize money in women's cricket grew by 500%+ between 2015 and 2025.
Key Milestones
Ellyse Perry (Australia) became the first player to take 300 wickets and score 1,000 runs in Women's ODIs — a genuine dual record. Mithali Raj (India) retired in 2022 as the highest run-scorer in Women's international cricket. The WPL in 2023 sold team franchises for over $500 million USD — an unprecedented commercial validation of women's cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Which country has won the most Women's ODI World Cups?
Australia has won the most Women's ODI World Cups with 7 titles (1978, 1982, 1988, 1997, 2005, 2013, 2022). England won the inaugural 1973 tournament.
When was the Women's Premier League (WPL) launched?
The WPL was launched in March 2023 with 5 franchises — Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujrat Giants, and UP Warriorz. Mumbai Indians won the inaugural title.
How many full members does the ICC have in women's cricket?
All 12 ICC Full Members now have active women's teams. The ICC also has Women's Associate Members — over 60 nations now play women's cricket at some level.