Feature: The Rise of India's Women Cricket Professionals

Four years ago, Smriti Mandhana earned a modest BCCI contract and supplemented her income through personal sponsorships. Today, the Indian women's cricket captain commands a WPL contract worth Rs 4.2 crore, endorses seven brands, and has a social media following of 12 million.

Mandhana's trajectory mirrors the explosive growth of women's cricket in India. The Women's Premier League, launched in 2023, has grown from five to eight teams, with franchise valuations now exceeding Rs 500 crore each.

"The WPL changed everything," says Mandhana. "For the first time, young girls in India can look at cricket as a genuine career option, not a risky gamble. That cultural shift is the WPL's greatest achievement."

The numbers tell a compelling story. Average WPL match attendance has grown from 12,000 in 2023 to 28,000 in 2026. Television viewership has tripled. And crucially, grassroots participation has surged, with BCCI reporting a 200% increase in girls registering for district-level cricket programs.

But the ecosystem extends beyond the marquee league. India's women's team has risen to number one in the ICC rankings across all formats, won the last two T20 World Cups, and is favored for the upcoming ODI World Cup in England.

For former captain Mithali Raj, now a BCCI administrator, the transformation feels both overdue and exhilarating. "We played for love of the game because there were no financial rewards. This generation plays for love and livelihood. That combination produces champions."