Will women’s cricket get the same viewership? This is a question that many asked and perhaps still do, questioning the investment and the launch of the Women’s Premier League.
However, the league has proven its doubters wrong, as the viewership for women’s cricket has only grown. The surge in viewership has been so significant that Jay Shah, the current chairman of the ICC, took to X to highlight the achievement.
“As the second leg of #WPL2025 begins in Bengaluru, I am proud to learn that the opening match of the tournament was watched by more than 3 crore viewers on TV, making it the most-watched league stage match ever. TV ratings surged 150% on Star Sports India, and digital viewership climbed 70% on Jio Hotstar compared to last season. Witnessing records being shattered is truly inspiring,” wrote Shah in his note on X.
Shah highlighted the record-breaking opening game played between RCB and GG, which drew over 3 crore viewers nationwide—a feat never achieved before in the league stage of the tournament.
Batting first, Giants posted a formidable total of 201. However, RCB scripted history, chasing down 202—the highest successful run chase in WPL history. The match showcased stellar performances, including a match-winning partnership between Kanika Ahuja and Richa Ghosh and a brilliant all-round display by Ashleigh Gardner.
We live in a time where sports have become an investment, and investors expect returns in the form of viewership. With the WPL’s rising audience numbers, investments in women’s cricket are expected to grow. The surge in TV ratings signifies increasing interest in the women’s game, further advocating for its importance.
Notable, while online viewership continues to shatter records, the on-ground attendance has been equally astonishing. The Vadodara leg of the WPL saw over 15,000 spectators attending the games daily, according to the Baroda Cricket Association. This is particularly remarkable given that the stadium is located on the outskirts of the city.
The strong footfall highlights the growing interest in women’s cricket, not just online but also in stadiums, where fans are turning up in large numbers to support their favorite teams and players.
As the Vadodara leg of the tournament set new records in viewership, more milestones are expected to be achieved as the action now shifts to the cricket-loving city of Bengaluru.
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