ICC report reveals massive rise of popularity for women's cricket

Women’s cricket has enjoyed significant growth on a global scale over the past five years. The establishment of various leagues across the member countries like the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia and the Kia Super League in England is testament to the fact that women’s cricket was now a mainstream sport.

Even the IPL had a one-off T20 exhibition match in its most recent edition when Harmanpreet Kaur led her team against compatriot Smriti Mandhana before the men’s final at the Wankhede stadium. Now, The International Cricket Council (ICC), in its largest ever market research study (300 million+ participants aged between 16-69) in association with Nielsen Sports brought to light some interesting facts about a rise in the number of women in women's cricket. The survey comprised 19,000 interviews and was conducted between Nov 2017 and Jan 2018. The survey was carried out in the 12 Full Member countries and also in China & the US. The latter two were non-traditional markets with huge potential for growth.

According to the research conducted, there were over one billion cricket fans worldwide, of which 39 percent were women and girls. Another impressive 68 percent people were found to be interested in women's cricket with 65 percent showing inclination towards the women's World Cup. Furthermore, 70 percent of the demographic wanted to see more live coverage of women's cricket.

Here are some more highlights:

- 90 percent of cricket's 1 billion+ fans are from the subcontinent

- The average age of the cricket fan is 34.

- 95 percent are interested in ICC's global events. The World Cup and World T20 are the most popular. 

- 69 percent are interested in Test cricket. Strongest: England & Wales (86 percent).

- 88 percent in ODIs. Strongest: South Africa (91 percent).

- 92 percent in Twenty20 internationals. Strongest: Pakistan (98 percent).

- 87 percent want Twenty20 cricket to be included in the Olympics.