New Delhi, March 13 Women's cricket in India has grown exponentially, with participation doubling across 14 states since 2020, according to a study commissioned by the BBC and Collective Newsroom.
The survey, which covered over 10,000 women, has found that the proportion of women who say they play cricket has risen from five percent in 2020 to 10 percent now. The participation of young women is also growing rapidly, with 16 percent of those aged 15 to 24 saying they play cricket, compared to six percent in 2020.
"The research also finds that one in four young women aged 15 to 24 have considered sport as a career option," according to the study.
The Indian women's cricket team has been on a high recently, winning its maiden ODI World Cup and defeating Australia in a bilateral three-match T20I series for the first time in a decade, which could also be contributing to the sport's growing popularity.
Cricket has overtaken the traditional sport, kabaddi, which has long been a favorite in India's hinterlands, by a significant margin.
"Cricket has also strengthened its position as the most played sport among women in the states surveyed. In 2020, it only narrowly edged past kabaddi, but the new figures suggest it is now firmly ahead."
"Participation has increased across most regions. All but two of the states surveyed report a rise in the number of women playing cricket. In Uttar Pradesh, levels of participation have increased 10-fold, from one percent to 10 percent. The gender gap in cricket participation across the states covered has also narrowed."
The study also shows that for every woman who plays cricket, three men play the sport, compared to a ratio of one to five in 2020.
Regarding career interests, 26 percent of young women aged 15 to 24 say they have considered a career in sport, up from 16 percent in 2020, with the highest levels reported in Tamil Nadu (27 percent), Madhya Pradesh (19 percent), and Meghalaya (19 percent), the study said.
Participation in badminton has also risen among the women surveyed, particularly in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
However, more women could be drawn towards sport if their safety concerns are properly addressed, the report says.
"13 percent of women who do not play any sport cite safety concerns as a barrier."
Rupa Jha, the Editor in Chief and co-founder of Collective Newsroom, said: "The findings show both progress and continuing barriers. While participation and viewership are rising fast, stereotypes and practical challenges remain."
"We hope this data will prompt further discussion and action to support women athletes."