Women’s cricket is rapidly outpacing the men’s game, according to International Cricket Council chief executive Sanjog Gupta. He emphasized the sport's potential for growth, particularly in markets like Brazil, where cricket is gaining cultural significance among women.

The inaugural women’s Test at Lord’s kicks off on Friday, showcasing the momentum following a record-breaking T20 World Cup that attracted a sellout crowd. Gupta noted that women’s cricket is becoming a platform for identity and belonging, particularly in emerging markets where it leads in participation and performance standards.

Key highlights include:

• T20 World Cup expanded to 12 teams this summer, set to grow to 16 teams by 2030.
• First Champions Trophy scheduled in Sri Lanka next year, aligning with the men’s tournament cycle.
• The recent T20 World Cup drew 245,815 spectators, smashing attendance records by over 100,000.

Despite Australia's seven-wicket victory over England in the final, the tournament was deemed a success, generating over £1 million in ticket sales. In India, viewership for a group-stage match against Pakistan exceeded 25 million, highlighting significant growth in global engagement.

Gupta noted that every metric is exceeding previous benchmarks, marking this shift as era-defining. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding financial disparities, with 40% of ICC revenues going to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

While aiming to balance local and global audiences, Gupta insists on the necessity of strategic accommodations to continue building the market, reflecting the ongoing evolution and expansion of women’s cricket.