Women’s cricket is gaining popularity worldwide, with several leagues offering thrilling action and showcasing incredible talent. These tournaments provide players with professional opportunities and inspire fans globally.
In this article, we’ll explore the top women’s cricket leagues all over the world, highlighting their features and importance. Each league has its own unique charm and plays a vital role in promoting the sport.
Overview Table Of Women’s Cricket Leagues
Women’s cricket leagues have flourished worldwide, creating platforms for talent development, international competition, and thrilling matches. Here’s a table for you to know better.
| League Name | Country/Region | Year Started | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s Premier League (WPL) | India | 2023 | T20 |
| Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) | Australia | 2015 | T20 |
| The Hundred (Women’s) | England | 2021 | 100-ball Cricket |
| Women’s Caribbean Premier League | West Indies | 2022 | T20 |
| FairBreak Invitational Tournament | Global (Neutral) | 2022 | T20 |
| Charlotte Edwards Cup | England | 2021 | T20 |
| Women’s Super Smash | New Zealand | 2007 | T20 |
| KIA Super League | England | 2016 | T20 |
| Women’s T20 Challenge | India | 2018 (Discontinued) | T20 |
| CSA WT20 Super League (Women’s) | South Africa | 2019 | T20 |
These leagues provide opportunities for players to show their skills while promoting the growth of women’s cricket globally.
Explanation Of Women’s Cricket Leagues Over The World
In this section, you’ll know about each league in detail. You’ll also know who the star players are to watch out for.
1. Women’s Premier League (WPL) – India
| League Country | India |
| Number Of Teams | 5 |
| Period | February-March |
The Women’s Premier League (WPL), launched in 2023, revolutionized Indian women’s cricket. Modeled on the IPL, it features 5 franchise teams competing in a T20 format. Matches are held in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and DY Patil Stadium.
Teams like Mumbai Indians Women and Delhi Capitals Women showcase international stars, including Ellyse Perry and Smriti Mandhana, alongside budding Indian talent.
The WPL offers high-octane cricket, thrilling chases, and standout performances, making it a global sensation. The league’s success highlights a growing interest in women’s cricket in India and its potential to inspire future generations.
2. Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) – Australia
| League Country | Australia |
| Number Of Teams | 8 |
| Period | October–December (Annual) |
The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), launched in 2015, is Australia’s premier T20 competition. Featuring eight teams such as Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars, the league features top international and Australian players.
Matches are held across iconic venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground. Known for its competitive spirit and high-scoring games, the WBBL has been a launchpad for stars like Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy.
The league’s family-friendly atmosphere and broadcast reach have made it one of the most popular women’s cricket tournaments globally, encouraging young girls to take up the sport.
3. The Hundred (Women’s) – England
| League Country | England |
| Number Of Teams | 8 |
| Period | July – September |
The Hundred Women’s competition, launched in 2021, introduced an innovative 100-ball format. Played alongside the men’s tournament, it features eight city-based teams like Oval Invincibles and Birmingham Phoenix.
Matches are hosted at historic venues like Lord’s and The Oval, drawing large crowds. Unique rules, including 10-ball overs and simplified scoring, make the game fast-paced and engaging.
With stars like Nat Sciver-Brunt and Shafali Verma, The Hundred has captured fans’ attention. Its inclusive approach and focus on entertainment have boosted the profile of women’s cricket in England, making it a key event on the cricket calendar.
4. Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) – West Indies
| League Country | West Indies |
| Number Of Teams | 3 |
| Period | August-September |
The Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), launched in 2022, is a T20 competition featuring teams like Trinbago Knight Riders Women and Barbados Royals Women. Matches are held across vibrant Caribbean venues.
The WCPL blends local talent with international stars like Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin. Its colourful atmosphere and competitive matches have brought attention to women’s cricket in the West Indies.
By promoting grassroots development and celebrating Caribbean culture, the WCPL has become a significant addition to the global women’s cricket landscape, inspiring young players across the region.
5. FairBreak Invitational Tournament – Global
| League Country | Global |
| Number Of Teams | 6 |
| Period | May |
The FairBreak Invitational Tournament, launched in 2022, is a unique global T20 league focusing on diversity and inclusion. Featuring teams with players from Full Member and Associate Member nations, it highlights talents worldwide.
Matches are played at venues in Dubai and Hong Kong, bringing global exposure to women’s cricket. The tournament includes stars like Stafanie Taylor and Suzie Bates alongside emerging players.
By promoting gender equality and providing a platform for lesser-known cricketers, FairBreak has become a beacon for inclusivity in sports, encouraging the growth of women’s cricket worldwide.
6. Charlotte Edwards Cup – England
| League Country | England |
| Number Of Teams | 8 |
| Period | May–June (Annual) |
The Charlotte Edwards Cup, named after the legendary English cricketer Charlotte Edwards, began in 2021 and has seen three successful seasons so far.
Managed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), this T20 competition features eight teams from regional counties. Southern Vipers have been the dominant force with two titles, while South East Stars claimed the inaugural trophy.
Unlike other leagues, this competition mainly highlights domestic talent, as international players rarely participate. The fourth season is set to start on May 18, 2024.
7. Women’s Super Smash – New Zealand
| League Country | New Zealand |
| Number Of Teams | 6 |
| Period | December–February |
The Women’s Super Smash, established in 2007, is New Zealand’s top T20 league. Featuring six teams, such as Wellington Blaze and Auckland Hearts, the competition is known for its high-intensity games.
Matches are played at scenic venues like Eden Park and Basin Reserve, adding charm to the league. Stars like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates have honed their skills here.
The Super Smash’s focus on grassroots development and live broadcasts has boosted interest in women’s cricket in New Zealand. Its long-standing success makes it a cornerstone of the country’s cricketing calendar.
8. Kia Super League (KSL) – England
| League Country | England |
| Number Of Teams | 6 |
| Period | 2016–2019 (August) |
The Kia Super League (KSL) was a T20 cricket league in England and Wales that ran from 2016 to 2019. It featured six regional teams, providing a competitive platform for domestic players and showcasing international talent.
The league was replaced by The Hundred in 2020, a new format introducing 100 balls per inning with eight city-based teams for both men and women.
KSL played a vital role in promoting women’s cricket and developing English players before its transition to the new structure.
9. Women’s T20 Challenge – India
| League Country | India |
| Number Of Teams | 3 |
| Period | May (Discontinued) |
The Women’s T20 Challenge, held from 2018 to 2022, was India’s first major women’s cricket league. Featuring three teams—Trailblazers, Supernovas, and Velocity—the tournament offered a glimpse of the potential for women’s cricket in India.
Played at IPL venues like Sharjah and Jaipur, it attracted international stars like Sophie Ecclestone and Indian icons like Smriti Mandhana. Despite its limited run, the tournament was crucial in building momentum for women’s cricket,
10. CSA WT20 Super League – South Africa
| League Country | South Africa |
| Number Of Teams | 4 |
| Period | October (Annual) |
South Africa’s Women’s Super League began in 2019 as an important step toward building a strong pipeline for women’s cricket in the country.
Featuring four teams such as Thistles and Coronations, the tournament focuses on promoting domestic talent in a T20 format.
Matches are played at venues like Newlands and Wanderers, blending local cricket culture with competitive gameplay. The league provides a competitive platform for budding stars like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp.
Conclusion: Women’s Cricket Leagues Are Getting Popular Like Men’s
Women’s cricket leagues are transforming the game, providing exciting action and new opportunities. From the established WBBL to the innovative WPL, these leagues show the best talent worldwide.
As these tournaments continue to grow, they are not only entertaining fans but also inspiring young players to pursue cricket.
The future of women’s cricket is bright, and these leagues are leading the way.
FAQs
The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and Women’s Premier League (WPL) are among the most popular leagues worldwide.
Most leagues include international players to raise competition levels and attract global audiences.
These leagues develop local talent, provide professional opportunities, and boost the popularity of women’s cricket.
The Women’s T20 Challenge was replaced by the larger Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023 for more comprehensive competition.
The Hundred features a shorter 100-ball format, making it different from traditional T20 cricket.
