New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) The Women's ODI World Cup held in India in 2013 was an event that passed largely unnoticed. While a few thousand spectators made their way to the stadiums, the atmosphere was predominantly quiet, with only a select few of the world's premier players receiving recognition.

Fast forward twelve years, and the transformation is remarkable. Broadcast agreements, packed stadiums, T20 leagues, and internationally acclaimed athletes have revolutionized women's ODI cricket. This stark contrast to 2013 is evident in how venues were adjusted days ahead of the tournament, and promotional materials were almost nonexistent in Mumbai.

Tickets were not available for purchase; fans had to visit the venues, undergo security checks, and then gain entry. Former Australian all-rounder and four-time World Cup champion Lisa Sthalekar recalls, "In 2013, we played at CCI, Brabourne Stadium, and the stands were certainly not filled. There wasn't a large audience, and now, looking at the WPL, selling out stands has become the norm. I hope this World Cup reflects that," she shared with IANS.

The 2013 tournament faced challenges in gaining visibility, despite numerous unforgettable moments and thrilling finishes. However, after India finished as runners-up in the 2017 World Cup, the sport's recognition skyrocketed. Today, banners line the streets of host cities, and there is palpable excitement among fans, with players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana becoming household names.

Anjum Chopra, former captain of India and a technical consultant with South Africa during the 2013 World Cup, has witnessed this evolution firsthand. "I remember it vividly, and South Africa performed reasonably well," she noted. "Aside from the way coverage has reshaped the women's game in India, the reality is that the quality of cricket on display has significantly improved. The shift in power play has become more pronounced from 2013 to 2017 and is continuing as we approach 2025," she stated to IANS.

Statistics corroborate this narrative—since the last ODI World Cup, there have been 34 instances of teams scoring 300 or more runs, with both Australia and India surpassing 400 in a single innings. The average run rate has surged to 4.84 since 2022, while India's rate stands at 5.57. As of 2025, 203 sixes have been struck in women's ODIs, for context, only 208 were scored throughout the entire 2017 edition.

Anjum attributes the rise in scoring to the introduction of T20 leagues. "In the 2022 ODI World Cup final in New Zealand, England nearly scored over 300 runs against Australia twice, and Nat Sciver-Brunt made it look effortless in both innings,” she remarked.

“Watching Alyssa Healy dominate in that final was mesmerizing, especially with the range of shots exhibited. Australia has a rich history in this regard, but other teams and players are also stepping up. The introduction of more power hitters has escalated scores from 180 to 220, then to 250, and now beyond 300 and 320," she added.

This transformation has been gradual. "It has been a bit slow because power and strength do not come instinctively to female players; they must be nurtured. However, I am confident that what has begun will only improve in the future," she asserted.

“The perception of a cricketer walking into bat, especially during the first six overs, has evolved. Previously, it was about merely connecting with the ball; however, now the focus is on striking the ball powerfully. Coaches used to emphasize ground strokes, warning that anything airborne might lead to a catch. The advent of T20 cricket has shifted this mindset, encouraging players to hit the ball hard and deliver long shots,” Anjum elaborated.

Dinesha Devnarain, who played for South Africa prior to 2017, shares this perspective. "I have had the privilege of representing my country during that era, and it's an honor to witness the growth of women's cricket now. While I believe we still have a way to go, the progress on a global scale is substantial," she stated.

She also credits T20 leagues for reshaping the cricket landscape. "The emergence of T20 leagues like The Hundred, Big Bash, WPL, and CPL has significantly boosted viewership. People are drawn to engaging and entertaining events,” she continued. “In the 2022 ODI World Cup and other recent tournaments, scores between 220-240 were once considered competitive; now, totals exceeding 300 are the new standard.”

The financial changes have also been striking. The ICC announced that the current edition of the Women's ODI World Cup will feature a prize pool of $13.88 million, nearly quadrupling the offerings from 2022. Anjum emphasizes that the implications of this extend beyond mere figures.

"This can only yield positive outcomes. I argue that if I were an under-15 cricketer today, I would have every reason to strive. If I can become a skilled and valuable player capable of reaching a state team and eventually the national team, there is so much to gain: fame, recognition, and financial backing."

"Consider the significance of mentioning that the prize money is higher than what the men's ODI World Cup champions received; it demonstrates that the ICC is attempting to establish parity between the men’s and women’s payment structures in the sport,” she added.

However, she provides a balanced view. "Simultaneously, it is important to note that men's prize money will also see a significant increase, so this isn't the conclusion of women's cricket's journey. From its inception under the ICC in 2005-2006 to its current state in 2025, yes, it is a substantial shift, but the expectations will continue to rise in the coming years."

Meanwhile, Dinesha views the prize money as a catalyst for broader change. "This was a major talking point and a positive indication of the potential for women in sports and the necessary investment in them."

"Such financial resources can lead to increased global participation. Young girls will aspire to become professional cricketers, envisioning a superstar lifestyle," she remarked.

"Furthermore, this also encourages the involvement of specialists in various fields, from strength and conditioning coaches to physiotherapists and analysts. This, in turn, leads to enhanced performance and a competitive edge,” she added.

“I genuinely hope this World Cup meets expectations and showcases high-quality cricket. Ideally, in the next cycle or World Cup, we would see participation increase from eight teams to a broader representation of the globe,” she expressed.

Lisa cautioned against drawing comparisons but appreciates the shift in focus. "It may not be accurate to compare the Women's World Cup prize money from this cycle with that of the last, as the Men's World Cup took place in that previous cycle."

"We will have to wait until the next Men's 50-over World Cup to gauge the differences, as that will signify the new cycle. While the increase in prize money is a fantastic marketing strategy, the players have worked diligently and unitedly to achieve this growth in rewards," she said.

"What I take the most pride in is that it’s not about who wins the tournament or how much they earn. It’s about what financial benefits a team that qualifies for the World Cup, despite not winning a game, receives. A decade ago, they earned nothing, but now they are seeing significant increases, which is something to celebrate," she remarked.

In 2013, women's cricket was far from professional. Today, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Players train at top-tier facilities, compete in flourishing T20 leagues domestically and internationally, and routinely face formidable opponents.

Leading up to this World Cup, India has toured England and hosted the reigning champions, Australia. This is a significant improvement from the days when they settled for practice matches against men's age-group teams.

In 2025, Indian women cricketers are at the forefront of a revolution—equal pay, record prize money, and a growing fan base that travels to support them. For instance, the Bucket Hat Cult, a dedicated women's cricket fan group founded in 2023, is set to follow India’s matches in Navi Mumbai.

India's journey to the final of the 2017 World Cup was a pivotal moment for women's cricket in the country, but the introduction of the WPL in 2023 ignited a massive surge in interest. For example, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's trophy celebration in 2024 filled the Chinnaswamy Stadium, even receiving a guard of honor from the men's team.

Lisa believes India is the ideal host for this World Cup, with Colombo as a fifth venue. "India is a remarkable place. For me, it holds special significance. For cricketers, it's a location that appreciates skill and talent, no matter the nationality. The atmosphere in a filled stadium, complete with music and entertainment, is truly unique."

"I think every cricket enthusiast or player dreams of playing or watching a cricket match in India. These players have a tremendous opportunity to elevate the game. If they can engage the audience, it’s fascinating to consider where women’s cricket will be in just a year’s time,” she concluded.

For Anjum, the most significant advantage is the clear path now available for aspiring cricketers. "As a young player or child, everything is already laid out for you. You won't have to search for it; the framework is in place. You simply need to focus on self-improvement, which is manageable.”

“You won’t receive awards and recognition without dedication and commitment to your craft. I believe all these developments will positively impact both the present and future generations,” she stated.

The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup anticipates enthusiastic crowds, thrilling cricket, and global attention. From struggling for acknowledgment in 2013 to earning respect in 2025, women's ODI cricket has undergone a remarkable transformation. This growth is not by chance; it results from years of groundwork, exposure, and investment. This World Cup could finally offer players a platform that is genuinely theirs to command.