Riding on the wave of unprecedented success, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the expansion of the Women's Cricket World Cup, increasing the number of participating teams from eight to ten starting in 2029. This landmark decision follows the record-breaking 2025 edition, which saw India lift its first-ever global women's trophy, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final at Navi Mumbai.
The ICC's decision is a direct response to the phenomenal growth and popularity of women's cricket, highlighted by the impressive statistics generated during the 2025 World Cup. Nearly 300,000 fans flocked to stadiums, setting a new attendance record for any women's cricket event. The final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was a complete sell-out, with 39,555 spectators witnessing India's historic win. Even league stage matches drew unprecedented crowds, with India's clash against Bangladesh attracting 25,965 fans.
The tournament also witnessed a massive surge in viewership, with close to 500 million viewers in India alone. Globally, the tournament garnered 446 million viewers, surpassing the combined total of the previous three editions. The final match was watched by a staggering 185 million viewers on JioHotstar, the official live-streaming partner in India. Furthermore, 92 million viewers tuned in on Connected TV (CTV), equaling the CTV viewership figures of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Final and the Men's Cricket World Cup Final from 2023. The India-Pakistan match during the tournament had a viewership of 28.4 million, which, until the final, was the highest for a women's cricket match.
The expansion of the World Cup is aimed at further boosting competitiveness and providing a global platform for emerging nations. By increasing the number of participating teams, the ICC hopes to encourage more countries to invest in women's cricket and provide opportunities for talented players from around the world to showcase their skills. The inclusion of two additional teams will not only add more excitement and unpredictability to the tournament but also inspire countless young girls to take up the sport.
The ICC's commitment to growing women's cricket extends beyond the World Cup. The Women's T20 World Cup will include 12 teams in 2026 and expand to 16 by 2030. Cricket's inclusion in the LA28 Olympics is also expected to provide a significant boost to the sport's popularity and participation worldwide.
The expansion of the Women's World Cup is a testament to the growing popularity and recognition of women's cricket. With record-breaking attendance and viewership figures, the 2025 edition demonstrated the immense potential of the women's game. The ICC's decision to expand the tournament is a significant step towards ensuring a more inclusive, competitive, and exciting future for women's cricket on the global stage.
