But in true Australian fashion, Beth Mooney’s magnificent century, Kim Garth grit at #9, and Alana King’s fiery 51* turned it into a 107-run victory. Earlier, Ash Gardner had rescued them with 115 (83) from #6 and later repeated the feat alongside Sutherland against England.
Add seven ODI and six T20 World Cup victories, the picture is clear: What other nations have built in the last five years, Australia have been perfecting for over 50.
How far behind are the rest, and can we actually quantify the health of women’s cricket across the top nations?
Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
Australia ($19.56 M), England ($15.02 M), India ($2.37 M), and New Zealand ($2.27 M) spend the most on women cricketers’ salaries (both central contracts and domestic combined).
Cricket Australia aims to generate $121 million in revenue alone from women’s cricket by 2024. On the other hand, nations like South Africa, Ireland, and Bangladesh are just now starting to professionalize domestic cricket.
Despite leading women’s cricket in pay, Australian women still earn far less than the men: $139,719 AUD vs $951,046 AUD in 2023–24 average retainer value.
How I Assessed Cricket Boards’ Financial Commitment and Long-Term Vision for Women’s Cricket
To understand the full picture of each cricket board’s investment in women’s cricket, I examined the following factors for the top women’s cricket boards:
Long-term investment in girls’ and women’s sports
Salaries of centrally contracted players
Number of contracted female players (both international & domestic)
Performance in ICC tournaments*
Socioeconomic indicators. These include UN/WHO metrics such as
Female Labor Force participation: % of women actively employed or seeking work
Female Literacy Rate: Share of women who can read and write at a certain level
Global Inequality Index: Measures income and opportunity gaps affecting women
Women, Peace, & Security Index (WPSI): Assesses women’s safety, inclusion, and empowerment
After analyzing these factors, I grouped the nations into five categories:
🟢 Strongly Invested: Australia, England
🟡 Progressing: New Zealand, India
🟠 Transitioning from amateur to professional: South Africa, Ireland, West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan
🟣 Emerging: Scotland, Zimbabwe
🔴 At Risk: Afghanistan
*Includes the 2022 Commonwealth Games along with 13 ODI World Cups and 9 T20 World Cups.
My Theory on Women’s Economics in Cricket
In theThe Economics of Sport Dominance article, I theorized how a nation evolves from a single-nation sport into a multi-nation and Olympic dominating nation based on GDP per capita, Global Hunger Index, and poverty rate.
We can apply a similar framework to women’s sports. For a nation to rise in women’s sport, certain base needs must be met: A female literacy rate of at least 60-80%, female labor force participation rate above 40-50%, and no government restrictions on women (unlike Afghanistan).
7 Steps of Achieving Sustainability in Women’s Cricket
Once these prerequisites are achieved, a cricket board typically progresses through seven steps:
Professionalize the Base: Create contracts, domestic leagues, and comprehensive player support to elevate ‘amateur’ players, allowing them to focus on cricket rather than juggling other jobs.
Have a Catalyst Moment: A breakthrough win or tournament performance that sparks interest (ex: India’s 2017 ODI World Cup run).
Institutionalize Momentum: Build grassroots pathways and scholarship programs to build on the momentum from the initial spark.
Build Systems: Invest in coaching, leadership, administration as well as grown fans of women’s cricket and increase sponsorships.
Deepen Talent Pool: Expand local tournaments, scouting networks to increase depth so women’s cricket does not only depend on one ‘golden generation’.
Expand International Exposure and Raise Standards: Create domestic T20 league, invest in emerging, A, and U-19 tours, and raise standards for new batch of players.
Achieve Profitability and Re-invest: At this stage, both the talent pool and the audience have matured. Domestic leagues, sponsorships, TV rights are set. Money is flowing in and being re-invested into local talent and systems built earlier, which outputs in increased depth and better tournament performance.
Top 10 Richest Women Cricket Boards (By Overall Salary)
Alright, now time for the reveal.
Here are the cricketing nations ranked loosely by estimated salaries for women’s cricketers (central contracts and domestic cricketers combined). We also look at investment trajectory, strategic vision, and recent grassroots development.
Note: Salaries and match fee information of some emerging nations were not available. Also, Women CPL salary information was not publicly available, so they are not used for this analysis.
$800,000 AUD ($520,495 USD) $500,000 AUD ($325,000 USD) for next 6
$163,322 AUD ($106,260 USD)
Number of Players
18 central contracts
131 across 7 teams (including the 18 central)
Match Fees
$2,000 AUD/match day
Included in average
1 $AUD = $0.65 USD, WNCL – Women’s National Cricket League, WBBL – Women’s Big Bash League
Highest Paid WPL Australian Player Breakdown: In 2024, Ash Gardner earned an estimated $831,951 USD (or $1.28 million AUD) annually across WPL ($380,000 USD), The Hundred ($86,613), central contract/WBBL ($325,000), and match fees ($40,338 USD/$62,000 AUD), not including awards, bonuses, or sponsorships.
She played 31 days of international cricket: 1 Test (3 days), 12 ODIs, and 16 T20Is in 2024.
Bottom Line: Australia’s high socioeconomic index and investment in women’s cricket is unparalleled, directly translating into high salaries, strong grassroots participation, team depth, and World Cup success.
Potential Challenges: Australia are in a unique place, culturally. They have an abundance of sports culture and women in sports. Hence, the main challenge I see for Australia is retaining cricket as the #1 sport for young girls aspire to pick up.
Average women’s match attendance → 600,000 (from 110,000)
80% of women’s matches telecasted in primetime
40% of women in leadership roles
$500 million AUD invested in infrastructure
Revenue from women’s cricket → $121M AUD (from $21M)
Quotes from Action Plan and Annual Report
“…some of our girls who are playing in India earn significant amounts of money in the WPL, and on top of this deal now, they will become million-dollar athletes. And so they should because they’re the best in the world at what they do.“
-Todd Greenberg, CEO Australia Cricketers’ Association
“We are also exceptionally proud that following the last MOU, our elite players are by far the highest paid female team sport athletes in Australia.”
Investment & Grassroots Growth
Registered women/girls: 47,000 → 80,000 (2014-24)
2023-24 season: +18% to 93,091 registered players, including 44% rise in school competitions
~$100M AUD ($65 M USD) invested in facilities over last 10 years.
CommBank’s Growing Cricket for Girls Fund supported 4,408 girls aged 5-18
Weber WBBL: Most-watched sports league in Oct-Nov.
How we estimated salaries for Australian women cricketers
We estimated the average salary for an Australian contracted player as follows:
According to the 2023–28 MOU, the average retainer for centrally contracted women’s cricketers was $139,719 AUD, which rose ~8% to $150,897 AUD the next year.
Adding the estimated average WBBL salary of $48,800 AUD brings most players’ total earnings to about $200,000 AUD.
When accounting for top earners, the squad-wide average rises to roughly $333,000 AUD, with the top player at $800,000 AUD and the next six around $500,000–$600,000 AUD.
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟢 Exceptionally Strong 5-Year Investment Trajectory: The ECB plans to invest £20-25 Million ($27-33M USD) annually in women’s cricket by end of the decade.
Central & Domestic Contracts
Category
Central Contracts
Domestic State Contracts
Salary Range
£90,000-£130,000 ($118,600-$171,250)
Minimum (Tier 1): £33,333 Average (Tier 1): £53,333
Tier 1 counties include Durham, Essex, Hampshire, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Surrey, and Warwickshire with Yorkshire to join in 2026 and Glamorgan in 2027.
£1 = $1.33 USD
The salary cap for Tier 1 counties is £500,000-£800,000, and a minimum of 15 contracted players are required for each Tier 1 county. The average domestic salary otherwise is £25,000, with £28,000 for senior pro level and £20,000 for Rookie level.
Note: Although 270+ players play across the domestic system, only 153 are supported by official domestic contracts.
Highest Paid WPL England Player Breakdown: England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt earns around $931,978 annually excluding sponsorships, match awards and bonuses:
Do they have a T20 league? Yes, The Women’s Hundred.
Tournament Performance:Number of ICC Trophies/Commonwealth: 17/23 (5 Wins, 12 Runners-Up)
Bottom Line: England’s women’s cricket is thriving. From leading the charge in the equal pay movement & the Women’s Hundred revolution to investing in domestic cricket & nationwide grassroots push, women’s cricket is in good place in England.
Potential Challenges: Although England has invested in the grassroots level, their social progress has not directly translated into tournament wins. Increasing salaries in the Women’s Hundred and increasing the standard of domestic cricket will hopefully lead them to create dominance like the Australian dynasties.
+£19M per year investment in women’s domestic cricket by 2027.
+£25M investment annually above forecasted revenues by 2029.
Equity Commitments (ICEC Report 2023)
The 2023 Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) recommended the following:
Equal match fees for men and women ✅ (implemented in 2023)
Equal domestic pay by 2029
100% equal international salary parity by 2030
Other Recommendations: Parity in Hundred salaries, captain’s allowances, win bonuses, introduction of Rookie Contracts, merit-based and inclusive talent pathway, financial aid, and more
Investment & Grassroots Growth
£1.2 million invested in a network of 100 Cricket Development Officers
Core City Hubs Programme: 285 hubs across 13 cities, engaging 30,000 players including 9,000 women and girls
£3.7M public funding from ESC Lottery fund, of which £850,000 was allocated for for Tacking inequality – Womens and Girls and £101,000 for “Female Talent Pathway”
Participation & Engagement (2023)
20% growth in women’s and girls’ teams from 2022 to 2023.
717 new women’s & girls’ teams
26,752 girls participated in Stars and Dynamos
7.4 million total audience for women’s cricket across formats
140% increase in women’s international (122,000) and 167% increase in viewership of Women’s Test
349,401 attended the 2025 The Women’s Hundred
+3000 bursaries (scholarships) to “enable individuals, especially women, ethnically diverse individuals, and disabled people, to qualify as coaches.”
538% increase in women’s professional players from 2020 to 2025
Quotes from PCA Women Impact Report
“For years I had a full-time job alongside playing top level domestic cricket as an amateur. The progress made in the past five years has been astounding…”
-Eve Jones, Lancashire
“A key priority for the players was agreeing a maternity policy which supports those wishing to start a family whilst still playing the game. The ECB were supportive of the policy and in 2025 now provide a fully paid maternity leave period of up to 12 months, with a 12-month contract extension for players returning from maternity leave.”
How We Estimated Salaries for England women cricketers
120 Tier 1 players * £53,333 average = £6,399,960
150 Tier 2 players × £20,000 = £3,000,000
20 central contracts × £110,000 = £2,200,000
Subtract overlapping County pay (20 * £53,333)
Adding everything up, England spends about £11,283,300 on player salaries, or about $15.02 million.
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟡 Financially Improving, fewer resources 5-Year Investment Trajectory: NZC short-term focus is on developing young cricketers and increasing financial sustainability with TV rights and free-to-air opportunities for women’s cricket.
Central & Domestic Contracts
Category
Central Contracts
Domestic State Contracts
Average Salary*
$152,796 NZD ($87,859 USD)
$18,646 NZD ($10,722 USD)
Maximum Salary
$163,246 NZD ($93,868)
$19,146 NZD ($11,009 USD)
Number of Players
17
72 players across 6 teams
Match Fees
$85,700 NZD* (included in salary)
$13,750 NZD* (included in salary)
$1 NZD = $0.58 USD
The salary for the Rank 1 player breakdown: $63,000 (Retainer), $85,700 (Match Fees), $6,750 (CPPT), $6,300 (Retirement Fund), Insurance ($1,496)
Match fees and CPPT is the same for all White Ferns contracts; only retainer and retirement fund fluctuate by ranking
CPPT: Cricket Players’ Property Trust
Match Fees Includes:
$10,250 (Test – which White Ferns have not played for 20+ years)
$4000 (ODI), $2500 (T20I)
$800 (Domestic ODI), $575 (Domestic T20)
Highest Paid New Zealand WPL Player breakdown:Amelia Kerr earns about $435,755 annually excluding bonuses, match awards, and sponsorships. In 2024, she earned around $582,960 with the 2024 T20 WC prize money.
$192,000: WPL
$147,203 ($256,000 NZD): 2024 T20 World Cup prize money
$86,539 (£65,000): The Hundred
$85,545 ($148,946 NZD): Salary (retainer + match fees)
Bottom Line: The 2024 T20 World Cup win boosted the White Ferns, and they have recently focused on developing grassroots cricket. However, compared to the Big 3, they do not have nearly as much participation in girls cricket or financial investment in women’s cricket.
Potential Challenges: As the senior pros head towards retirement, NZ need to focus on increasing their talent depth. They do well with the resources they currently have, but risk falling behind with the lack of resources.
The landmark agreement between NZC, New Zealand Cricket Players Association (NZCPA), and Major Associations in 2022 yielded the following:
Equal match fees for men and women on the same day
Player payments based on 29.75% of NZC’s projected commercial revenue over 5 years (NZ$349m), expected to total NZ$104M.
Prioritizes growth in participation of women and girls, leveraging free-to-air TVNZ coverage.
“At domestic level we increased the number of women’s annual contracts awarded by 30% to further invest in the development of our pipeline…As a result, cricket is becoming the most attractive professional sport in the country for young female athletes…The 15-strong squad who contested the World Cup final received circa NZ$256,000 in prize money each, on top of their annual retainers and match fees.”
Investment & Grassroots Growth
Average Live Audience for White Fern matches → 190,000 in 2020/21 (from 31,000 in 2016/17)
Around 821,000 people watched at least one of 20 Women’s Super Smash matches
In Otago alone, about 124 teams of girls took place in Girls Smash. Wellington, Marlborough, and Canterbury followed with over 1,000 girls involved now.
Around 43,596 females participated in 2020-21 before the Covid-19 dropoff to 26,321 the next year
Aspiring Female Umpire & Pathway to Performance Programs: 20 coaches/umpires trained in 2023-24, 12 women promoted to Head or Assistance Coach roles in the 2024 National U-19 Women’s Tournament, 15 new female coaches developed through Cricket Wellington Women & Girls Coaching Course
Female Leadership Initiatives: Leadership Development Contestable Fund, other leadership programs for women and girls
How We Estimated Salaries for White Ferns central contracts:
NZC lays out the salary bands of players based on different rankings:
Rank 1 – $163,246
Rank 9 – $148,946
Rank 17 – $142,346
However, it does not layout the rankings in the middle so we take the average between the highest and lowest for this average: ($163,246+$142,346)/2 = $152,796.
Combining both domestic and central contracts, NZCricket spends around $2.27 million on player salaries
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟡 Financially Stable, Lacking Vision 10-Year Investment Trajectory: BCCI spends around $10-11 million per-year on women’s domestic cricket, which means they will spend more than $100M in a 10-year cycle on women’s cricket.
Bottom Line: As the financial powerhouse of world cricket, India is pouring money into the WPL and have thousands of women cricketers playing in the domestic circuit. However, there seems to be a lack of longterm vision and systemic grassroots growth.
Potential Challenges: India’s main challenge will be navigating an evolving socioeconomic landscape and create a better cricket infrastructure for more girls to participate.
Australia Women’s Tour to India: 15.53 Crore, England W tour to India: 9.39 Crore
England A Women’s tour: 1.98 Crore
Women’s Emerging Asia Cup: 1.7 Crore, Women’s Tour to Bangladesh: 5.91 Crore, Women’s Asian Games: 2.22 Crore
Note: According to Times of India, about 96 Crore INR is budgeted for women’s domestic cricket in the 2025/26 BCCI budget. We have not been able to find the BCCI budget, but it is close to the 89.82 Crore INR from BCCI’s 2023/24 annual report.
Strategic Vision
Apart from match fees pay equity and annual financial reports, I did not find any strategic visions or 5 to 10-year plans from BCCI like Australia, England, or New Zealand have neatly presented.
Hence, I looked at Jay Shah’s tweets to see his vision for women cricket and grassroots development in India.
Hosting the @ICC@cricketworldcup in India enables us to have a significant impact at the grassroots level.
My sincere thanks to @DP_World, who share our vision of promoting the game and empowering women's cricket. As part of the Beyond Boundaries Initiative, 250 kits were… https://t.co/D1oWXNWuQ3
Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the game, and I am dedicated to preserving its stature while enhancing its appeal to fans. Simultaneously, women's cricket will be a cornerstone of our growth strategy as we take the sport to new horizons.
Women’s Cricket in India is on the upswing and the World Cup triumph has taken the stature of women’s cricket several notches higher. I am delighted to announce INR 5 crore for the entire team and support staff as prize money. This is surely a path-breaking year.
In a historic stride for Indian cricket, Jacintha Kalyan has become the trailblazing pioneer as the first female cricket pitch curator in our nation. 🙌 Taking the helm of pitch preparation for the inaugural leg of the Women's Premier League in Bengaluru, Jacintha embodies the… pic.twitter.com/AVqLondy77
After pay equity, today's bidding for media rights for Women's IPL marks another historic mandate. It's a big and decisive step for empowerment of women's cricket in India, which will ensure participation of women from all ages. A new dawn indeed! #WIPL@ICC@BCCIWomen
How We Estimated Average Domestic Indian Women Cricket Salaries
There are two major tournaments: Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and Senior Women’s ODI Trophy. In both tournaments, teams play about 7 matches in group-stages and can further qualify to pre-quarters, quarters, semi-finals, and finals.
1072 women cricketers are named in the Senior Women T20 Squad for the 31 teams, averaging 34.58 players per team. This means 11 players will play each match and about 23.6 players will be on the bench.
Playing XI earns 20,000 INR: 11 * 20,000 = 220,000. Bench earns 10,000: 23.6 *10,000 = 236,000
Hence, each team pays their players about 456,000 INR per match on average.
If teams do not qualify, the tournament spend on salary is 456,000 * 14 = 6,348,000 INR. If qualifying teams play ~ 16 matches, the total is close to 7,296,000 INR. From the 31 teams, if 8 qualify and 23 do not, we can estimate the total cost as follows: (8*7,296,000) + (23*6,348,000) = 205,200,000/1072 = 191,441 INR per player per season.
Overall, the BCCI pays its central contract holders about 3.6 Crore INR and about 20.5 Crore INR to its domestic players, for a total of 20.8 Crore INR (or $2.37 million total) excluding match fees for international players.
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟠 Have vision, but in the process of professionalizing Investment Trajectory: South Africa government investment 15M ZAR ($USD 869,000) in women’s cricket in the lead-up to the 2023 T20 World Cup and the U-19 T20 WC.
Central & Domestic Contracts
Category
Central Contracts
Domestic State Contracts
Average Salary*
N/A
N/A
Number of Players
15
68 (plus 17 high performance and academy contracts)
Match Fees
Test: $6,925 ODI: $1,900 T20I: $911
N/A
1 ZAR = $0.06 USD ($1 = 17.23 ZAR)
Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information of how much the central contracts are worth for women’s cricketers in South Africa. The match fees is from ESPNCricinfo’s 2017 report and may be outdated. CSA now provides equal match fee for both their women’s and men’s cricketers.
Highest Paid South African WPL Player breakdown:Marizanne Kapp earns between $400,000-$480,000 annually before sponsorships, etc. Here is the breakdown:
Bottom Line: South Africa have produced world-class cricketers in the last few years, but women’s domestic cricket is just becoming professional. Hosting the 2023 T20 World Cup created a cycle of investment in women’s cricket according to the Nielsen report. They are now focusing on investing in women’s domestic and junior level cricket to complete the transition from amateur to professionalization.
Potential Challenges: Making the finals of the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups was no easy feat, but can they sustain the momentum once the golden generation retires?
“…the continued professionalisation of the women’s game through the appointment of a permanent head coach marks a landmark achievement.“
-Rihan Richards, President (CSA)
“Focus on women’s cricket: Significant attention was given on advancing the growth and professionalisation of women’s cricket. The committee supported increased investment in domestic women’s structures, advocated for broader enhanced media coverage and commercial partnerships and the integration of former women players in strategic discussions, reflecting CSA’s commitment to transformation and gender inclusivity.”
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟠 Increasing Investments 10-Year Investment Trajectory: In 2023, CWI announced they would start significant investments in women’s cricket. For example, business class flights for long-haul travels and single rooms for international assignments were added to match the men’s team policy, adding $500,000 in budget alone.
Central & Domestic Contracts
Category
Central Contracts
Domestic State Contracts
Average Salary*
$50,000-$100,000
N/A
Number of Players
15 (3 with multi-year contracts)
14 (Women’s academy)
Match Fees
ODI: $2,300 T20I: $1,735
N/A
*Note: The match fees reflects equal match fees, when it does come into effect, based on our estimates for Men’s match fees.
Highest Paid West Indian WPL Player breakdown:Deandra Dottin earned approximately $269,200 in 2023-24. She had retired from international cricket, so no salary estimate is added.
West Indies played about 7 ODIs and 16 T20Is in 2024, which could add an additional $43,860 in match fees for those who played on top of the central contract.
Bottom Line: Failure to qualify for the 2025 ODI World Cup marked a low note for the 2016 T20 World Cup winners and the 2022 ODI World Cup semi-finalists. The successes in the last decade would have inspired a new generation of players. Does the WI have systems in place to capitalize for this talent?
Potential Challenges: The need to widen talent pool and depth to match the dominance of Australia & England.
“The MOU was signed by Cricket West Indies and the West Indies Players’ Association and set a clear path for West Indies cricket to achieve parity in international and regional match fees, international captain’s allowances, international team prize money and regional individual prize money for all West Indies cricketers by 1 October 2027.”
Goals
“Establishment of Key Performance Indicators for Territorial Boards linked to new funding model with clear minimum standards including dedicated support for women and girls programmes and high-performance programmes.”
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟠 Increasing Investments, low resources 10-Year Investment Trajectory: Increased annual investment from €500,000 ($582,000) before 2019 to €1.5M ($1.75M). The investment will go towards player contracts and match fees, coaching and support staff, infrastructure, etc. In 10 years, about $15-20M can be invested in women’s cricket if they continue on this path.
Average Salary: $50,000-$75,000 (including match fees).
Highest Paid Irish WPL Player breakdown: Gaby Lewis was selected in The Hundred as an overseas wildcard in 2023, where salaries may be between £7,500-£15,000 ($10,000-$20,000). This means her annual salary that year could have been close to $60,000-$100,000.
Ireland’s Women’s Socioeconomic Metrics
Female Labor Force Participation: 60.1%
WPSI: 0.892 (#13)
Female Literacy Rate: 99%
Global Inequality Index: 0.054 (#19)
Do they have a T20 league? No.
Tournament Performance: 0/23
Bottom Line: With high socioeconomic indices, Ireland shouldn’t have trouble progressing to the next level of professionalization in women’s cricket. The next step is to find more players that can consistently be selected in overseas T20 leagues to raise their standards.
Potential Challenges: They are investing well for their size, but they also need to think about widening their talent pool.
45% increase in women’s cricket investment (from 2016 to 2021)
1,582 female cricketers registered across all levels
Funding: Received €70,000 from Sport Ireland for 2024, with €103,038 total expenditure after carryover.
Broadcast Boost:Virgin Media aired women’s internationals free-to-air for the first time; €60,000 allocated to televise the England series at Clontarf.
Professionalization: Entry into the ICC Women’s Championship (2021) led to the first full-time contracts for women.
Sponsorship:Certa renewed as main team sponsor.
Goals (by 2023)
Get Cricket to be in top 10 choice of sports for girls in Ireland
Achieve 50% increase in participation
Develop talent pool of accredited female coaches and officials
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟠 National investment in grassroots women’s cricket growing, the beginning of professionalization for women’s cricket in the country. Investment Trajectory: Increased women cricket’s spending from 70M PKR ($249,000) to 240M PKR ($854,000).
Central & Domestic Contracts
Category
Central Contracts
Domestic State Contracts
Average Salary*
$2,000-$12,500
420,000 PKR ($1,495)
Number of Players
20 (18 central, 2 emerging)
65
Match Fees
N/A
20,000 PKR/match 10,000 PKR (bench)
$1 = 281.04 PKR
Currently, a domestic Pakistan player can play upwards of 31 days of cricket in a year
The retainer salaries of Pakistan’s contracted players is not available. I’d expect it to be higher than their domestic salaries.
A number of players including Fatima Sana are in the upcoming WBBL draft. However, in the past, not Pakistan players have made it to the Hundred or WBBL teams.
Pakistan’s Women’s Socioeconomic Metrics
Female Labor Force Participation: 24.3%
WPSI: 0.481 (#158)
Female Literacy Rate: 46.5%
Global Inequality Index: 0.536 (#145)
Do they have a T20 league? No.
Tournament Performance: 0/23
Bottom Line: Pakistan have started domestic contracts, which is a step in the right direction. However, domestic pay is too low to encourage widespread growth at the moment.
Potential Challenges: Overcoming cultural and socioeconomic challenges to increase awareness and promote more girls taking up sports. Pakistan needs an inspiring tournament run to motivate a generation.
In the 2019-23 5-Year Plan, the PCB laid out their vision as follows:
Develop a National High Performance Center for women
Build infrastructure and development programs for female coaches
Ensure inclusion of women in reformed grassroots programs and integrate women’s cricket into the six Cricket Associations.
Pakistan’s 2025-26 domestic season includes tournaments for Women’s U-19 T20 Tournament, Inter-university tournaments, and National Women’s ODI and T20 tournaments signifying a step in the right direction.
“Our Pathways structure continues to evolve with the aim of building a strong future for Pakistan women’s cricket. The U19 T20 tournament, followed by the tour to Bangladesh will offer young players valuable exposure and an opportunity to develop the skills required at the international level…We are also actively engaging in discussion with various departments to introduce a departmental tournament for women’s cricket. This initiative will provide additional playing opportunities for our women cricketers.”
– Rafia Haider, Head of Women’s Cricket
This PCB Podcast with Rafia Haider is a revelation, which shows the planning and vision PCB has women’s cricket.
Overview of Women’s Cricket in Pakistan
“Socially, we have a limitation. We have been able to overcome these challenges, credit to PCB and support of parents...Progress has been made in the last couple of years especially with budgetary approvals, working on FTP, domestic setup add-ons. I am having a good time that I have an empowered role. We have domestic programs, 9 academies with dedicated support staff across Pakistan that works round the year…The rewards for best players have been enhanced. For our regional tournament, skills and fitness will be emphasized. We were lacking fitness standards, and this is a focus for us. Contracts will be based on fitness and performance...”
Create a Robust Inter-Collegiate Ecosystem
“Schools are non-existent (as development pool). Most of our players come from a handful of colleges and universities. The PCB has started new program for schools to register in and nominate their players (over 50 institutions have showed interest). Men’s cricket have clubs and street cricket. The goal is to create a proper inter-school and inter-collegiate tournaments. We are targeting U-15 and U-17 development to start off early that builds our U-19 pool…We are increasing number of series and engagements with international teams in both U-19 and national level…Merit based selection is key.”
Increasing Visibility
Until we increase visibility, we cannot increase engagement. Lack of awareness in women’s cricket can only be solved when our national stars become household names (ex: Sadia, Fatima, Diana who have broken the barrier). People appreciated our show in the Women’s WC Qualifiers. Projection is key, so families know that things can better. Trying to create positive engagement with current players via social media platforms so younger players to be part of the story.”
Domestic Infrastructure for Women’s Cricket
“HPC Karachi is dedicated for women’s cricket. Karachi stadium and facilities are available to women’s teams, U-19, and extended skill camps. We are working with the NCA to ensure additional support staff. We are also working with increasing stadium availability and intra-region practice matches. Coaching staff will engage within their districts and schools. We lack in the refereeing and coaching side. There are ex-players who have taken Level 2 & Level 3 coaching. We are trying to facilitate this with ICC and NCA to organize this. We are also increasing a focus on mixed refereeing.”
Message for the People
One thing that should change is the people’s attitude is bring their kids in. There is progress, but a lot more needs to come in. This is a societal effort, we need to realize that women’s sports is important. If you put your heart into it, hardwork is essential. Yes there are limitations in society and administration. We are trying our level best to bring cricket to their doorsteps, but people need to come forward as well.”
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟠 Low player salary, but structures beginning to be put in place Investment Trajectory: 30 domestic state contracts started this year.
Bangladesh player Salary breakdown: In 2024, Nigar Sultana played 6 ODIs and 19 T20Is, which earned her about $4,650 in match fees. Presuming that she has a Grade A contract, Sultana’s overall salary annually is between $17,000-$20,000.
Unfortunately, not many Bangladesh players have been selected for the WPL, WBBL, and the Hundred.
Bangladesh’s Women’s Socioeconomic Metrics
Do they have a T20 league? No.
Tournament Performance: 0/23
Female Labor Force Participation: 44.2%
WPSI: 0.593 (#131)
Female Literacy Rate: 72%
Global Inequality Index: 0.487 (#125)
Bottom Line: Bangladesh are showing signs of professionalizing, but need to elevate to the next level. If they produce 2-3 more world class players who get into the WPL/Hundred/WBBL drafts, then that can change the perspective of women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
Potential Challenges: Pay may be too low for aspiring women’s cricketers to devote a career into the sport.
“The women’s national contract is similar to the first-class players’ contract for male cricketers. The board has decided to introduce this in an effort to provide financial stability to a large pool of women cricketers. Thirty cricketers, who are not a part of the central contract, have been placed in the women’s national contract…”
Women’s Cricket Health: 🟠 Lower paid, just started professionalizing Investment Trajectory: A 23,855,000 LKR ($78,667) “ICC Women’s Cricket Financial Grant” was provided to SLC for 2023.
Central & Domestic Contracts
Category
Central Contracts
Domestic State Contracts
Average Salary*
2,400,000 LKR ($7,915)
N/A
Maximum Salary
3,600,000 LKR ($11,872)
N/A
Number of Players
25
15
Match Fees
$750/match $250 bonus for matches won
N/A
$1 = 303.24 LKR
National Contracts are divided in Grades A-D, but the amounts are not specified (salaries may range from 100,000 LKR to 300,000 LKR).
*Emerging players earn a ‘fixed monthly rate and an attendance allowance’
Highest Paid Sri Lankan WPL Player breakdown:Chamari Athapaththu earns approximately $226,741 annually before sponsorships and other awards:
$86,539 (£65,000): The Hundred
~ $71,671 ($110,000 AUD): WBBL, pre-signed
$34,159 (30 Lakh INR): WPL
$22,500: Match Fees (9 ODIs, 21 T20Is in 2024)
$11,872: Central Contract
Sri Lanka’s Women’s Socioeconomic Metrics
Female Labor Force Participation: 31.6%
WPSI: 0.743 (#60)
Female Literacy Rate: 91.6%
Global Inequality Index: 0.367 (#93)
Do they have a T20 league? No.
Tournament Performance: 0/23
Bottom Line: Sri Lanka have the heart, but the structure is just not there yet. I hope that the 2024 Asia Cup win inspired the next generation of talent so Sri Lanka are in a safer place after Athapaththu retires
Potential Challenges: Raising domestic salaries to professionalize the sport is the most important challenge Sri Lanka must overcome.
The ICC and other boards have pooled in money to support the displaced Afghanistan women’s cricket team to provide them with facilities, training camps, and practice matches.
USA, Netherlands, Thailand, and the UAE women’s teams are also teams that may rise in the next couple of decades.
I'm proud to announce on behalf of the @ICC a landmark initiative we've partnered on with the BCCI, England & Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Australia to assist displaced Afghan women cricketers in both their cricketing and development journeys.
Final Thoughts: Where Does Women’s Cricket Go from Here?
Aside from the lack of marketing and rain, the 2025 ODI World Cup marks another milestone with a record $13.88 million prize money. It reflects how much the women’s game has grown in visibility and value since the successful 2017 and 2020 World Cups.
Women’s cricket is no longer.a niche sport.
However, unless more countries 10x their investments in women cricket (and maybe the ICC needs to help out), Australia & England will almost always be in the finals and two out of South Africa-West Indies-India-New Zealand will complete the rest of the semi-finalists.
I am hopeful of Ireland, Scotland, and Sri Lanka rising up the ranks, but only time will tell.
For now, let’s admire Australia’s dominance and let it remind us what long-term planning can achieve in women’s cricket.
“It would be lovely to just look at this here this week and go, why do we complain, why do we worry about Test match cricket?
…Why do people knock this format? It is just so wonderful, but I am afraid, other countries don’t have the luxury that England, India, Australia have…So, we and India and Australia have to keep an eye on the future of Test match cricket. If we let this go, we are not doing the game a service…We need to keep an eye on this and keep pushing it forward and look after those who are not as fortunate.”
Nasser Hussain
It is a beautiful sentiment, and most fans would likely agree, Nasser.
But it is also paradoxical.
This is probably not the ideal week to bring this up—not after five gripping Tests, packed crowds, and an absolute bonkers of a finish. But here is the uncomfortable truth:
In trying to save Test cricket, the Big 3 may be unintentionally suffocating it.
The Narrative that ‘Test Cricket Is Dying’ is Hurting the Game
Each time the Ashes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, or an India-England series rolls around, we hear the same recycled narrative: “Test Cricket is in Danger.”
But is it really?
The love for the format was evident in the World Test Championship final, with South Africa showcasing their quality and a neutral English crowd adding to the occasion.
Test cricket is thriving, at least in England, Australia, and India.
And that’s precisely the problem. In their effort to protect and profit from the format, the Big 3 have increasingly started playing exclusively amongst themselves.
The spectators get quality Test cricket, packed stadiums, polished broadcasts, and high TV ratings. The format “stays alive.”
The Never-Ending Tri-Series
At this point, Test cricket has morphed into a never-ending tri-series between India, England, and Australia.
ENG in IND (Nov 16-Feb 17)
AUS in IND (Feb-Mar 17)
IND in ENG (Jul-Sept 18)
ENG in AUS (Nov 17-Jan 18)
IND in AUS (Nov 18-Jan 19)
AUS in ENG (Aug-Sep 19)
IND in ENG (Aug-Sept 21/22)
IND in AUS (Nov 20-Jan 21)
ENG in IND (Feb-Mar 21)
ENG in AUS (Dec 21-Jan 22)
AUS in IND (Feb-Mar 23)
AUS in ENG (Jun-Jul 23)
ENG in IND (Jan-Mar 24)
IND in AUS (Nov 24-Jan 25)
IND in ENG (Jun-Aug 25)
ENG in AUS (Nov 25-Jan 26)
Whoever said it was right.
India vs England is prep for the upcoming Ashes. Just like the Ashes will be prep for the next BGT.
Meanwhile, the rest of the world waits:
Zimbabwe have not toured Australia for a Test series since 2003.
Australia last played a Test against Bangladesh in 2017.
England did not tour Sri Lanka between 2012 and 2018.
India last visited New Zealand 2-match Test series in February 2020 before the pandemic. That feels ages ago.
Even the popular NZ-Eng series hasn’t seen a four-Test series since 1999.
And these are just a few examples.
Test cricket has practically only grown from 2 thriving cricketing nations to 3 thriving nations in a 150 years.
— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken) August 5, 2025
The Game Theory Problem: Everyone for Themselves
The Prisoner’s Dilemma is a classic game theory problem, a study of how rational decisions made in self-interest can lead to worse outcomes for everyone involved.
Imagine two individuals who are both accused of a crime and interrogated separately. Each has two choices: stay silent (cooperate) or betray the other (defect):
If both stay silent, they get out with light sentences (let’s say 1 year each).
If one defects while the other stays silent, the defector goes free (0 years) while the other gets a heavy sentence (10 years).
If they both defect, they each serve moderate time (3 years).
Logically, each person would want to defect to avoid the worst-case scenario. But when both individuals make the ‘rational’ choice, they end up worse off than if they had trusted each other. And that’s the dilemma:
Acting in self-interest leads to a collectively worse outcome, even when cooperation would have helped them both.
Cooperation Requires Sacrifice, but Cricket’s Not Designed for It
We have all criticized the ICC at one point or another.
But let’s give them some grace. Unlike other global sporting bodies, the ICC isn’t a centralized power.
Cricket is not a single unified business. Rather, it is network of competing bodies trying to protect their self-interests with the ICC acting as a mediator. Consider the Test-playing nations:
12 International Boards with their own finances and calendars. The boards need to care of their players, staff, stadiums, and local boards.
And of course, the broadcasters, whose rights deals prop up the whole system
That’s 50+ separate individual business entities, each trying to show profits, satisfy sponsors, and keep their board of directors happy.
Now, in theory, this can work. Money is not a zero-sum game, and multiple businesses can succeed together.
However, cricket has two unavoidable constraints:
The calendar: There are only so many days of the year and even fewer in a cricket summer seasons are even shorter.
The players: Unlike soccer, where there is a plethora of international quality athletes, cricket keeps copying and pasting the same pool of global T20 stars (think Rashid Khan, Pooran, Klaasen, Faf, Russell, etc.).
And when everyone’s fighting for the same weeks and the same set of players, it turns into Survival of the Fittest, a capitalistic model where some thrive but at the expense of the others.
Supply and Demand: The Big 3 Leagues are Draining the World’s Talent
England and Australia have short cricket summers, which means cramming Tests, County, bilateral series, and T20 leagues in a tight window.
The impact?
We rarely see the stars like Steve Smith or Mitchell Starc playing a full season of Big Bash or Ben Stokes playing in The Hundred.
Here’s the catch: The Big Bash and The Hundred and the individual franchises still need to maintain profitability. So what do they do?
They import talent. They poach the West Indians, South Africans, Kiwis, Pakistanis, and beyond to elevate the standard of their own leagues.
While England, Australia, and India try to ‘preserve Test cricket’ at home, their T20 leagues drain the talent pipelines of Test cricket elsewhere.
The smaller nations have a supply of great talent, but they don’t have the financial strength to retain them. These players have to go where the demand is: The IPL, Big Bash, MLC, The Hundred, SA20, ILT20.
But wait, Cricket West Indies, PCB, CSA, NZC, they all need to make money too, right?
To survive in the limited calendar, they have to make tough choices: Launching their own T20 leagues, trimming down Test tours due to cost and scheduling clashes, and squeezing random bilateral ODI series with India to stay financially afloat.
This creates a cascading effect: (1) oversaturation of cricket, (2) early Pooran-esque retirements, (3) higher injury risks, and (4) growing friction between players and their boards.
The Vicious Cycle of Modern Test Cricket
We can summarize the vicious cycle of modern Test cricket that we have know become accustomed to.
1. Big 3 Dominate the Calendar
India, England, and Australia pack their summers with high-profile Test series, leaving no room for their stars in domestic T20 leagues (except for the IPL)
2. Top Players are Poached from Smaller Nations
Leagues like the BBL and The Hundred fill the gaps by importing talent from smaller nations.
3. Smaller Boards Cut Tests to Survive
With finances tight, smaller boards prioritize limited over bilateral and launch their own leagues, but are unable to retain their players.
4. Test Quality Drops Justifying More Big 3 Series
Then, once in a blue moon, an Australia visits a West Indian side and completely decimates it. The “Test cricket is dying” narrative returns, reinforcing the idea that only the Big 3 can keep the format alive.
Final Thoughts: The Big 3 Didn’t Mean to Kill It. But They Are
As fans, we want it all—packed stadiums in the Caribbean, epic five-Test rivalries, a thriving County game, an entertaining IPL season, the Poorans & Klaasens lighting up the 2026 T20 World Cup, an ODI game that still provides finishes like the 2019 WC Finals, return of the Champions League T20, room for Associates to grow, and much more.
Unfortunately, with a finite cricket calendar, a limited player pool, and every board, franchise, and broadcasters all acting rationally in their own self-interest, something has to give.
The Big 3 claim to be protecting Test cricket, but what have they actually sacrificed?
RCB finally ended their IPL drought after 18 years. Now South Africa are chasing that glory moment of their own.
After both the women’s and men’s teams fell short in T20 World Cup Finals, the Proteas have one more chance to life an ICC trophy. But they’ll have to go through Australia.
For the neutral fan, it doesn’t get much better than this. South Africa vs Australia at Lord’s. Two teams raised on pace and bounce, now tested under England’s gloomy skies and swinging ball.
What more could you want from a World Test Championship final?
For South Africa, this is more than just a final. It’s the weight of decades.
Just as the the wounds of 1999 began to fade, fresh ones arrived in 2015 and then 2024, with both women’s and men’s team falling at the brink of glory.
And yet, here they are again. Will 21st time be the charm?
“This isn’t just a match. It’s 40 years of South African pain bottled into five days at Lord’s.”
Australia
For Australia, this is familiar territory. Another final, another title in sight. But there are some interesting underwritings for Australia as well.
This could be the last time we see the quartet of Smith, Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins, and Lyon take the field together in a major series or at least in a final.
Australia arrive with tons of experience: 772 Test caps across the squad, including 136 from Nathan Lyon alone. South Africa, on the other hand, only have 367 Test caps.
A team that knows how to win finals against one trying to believe that they can.
Not long ago, Marnus Labuschagne was averaging over 60 in Tests and was hailed as Steve Smith’s natural successor. Since 2023, that number has plunged to 31.54 with only 1 century. His recent first-class form is no better — scores of 23, 0 & 61, 0 & 4, and 23, the last two coming with Glamorgan in County.
Marnus returns to the country that brought him to limelight against the place of his birth. Can he rediscover his edge when it matters the most?
You simply cannot bet against Steve Smith here. Smith thrives in England: 2,255 runs at 55.00, including 8 centuries. His numbers against South Africa are more modest compared to his otherwise Bradman-esque standards (44.94 average with 2 tons).
Fun Fact:In England, Steve Smith has scored almost three times as many runs as the entire South African team combined.
Marco Jansen vs Cameron Green: The All-Round Battle
Jansen and Green represent different brands of modern-day Test all-rounders. Both have the height, Jansen brings more swing and lower order fight, while Green is a solid batter that bowls when he is required.
Extremely valuable to their sides, if either Jansen or Green get going, they can turn the match.
Rabada vs Head: Tempo vs Temperament
Travis Head can win a session on his own, but Rabada is known to strike frequently.
He takes wickets every 39.4 balls and has an average of 22.4. Already a South African great with 327 wickets, he will want to go the next level and win them the title. And don’t forget, he has a point to prove after his recent suspension.
And then there is Aiden Markram. He might just light up the final with a few of those beautiful cover drives even if his stay is brief.
Squad: Scott Boland, Matthew Kuhneman, Beau Webster
Final Thoughts and Predictions
Social media’s buzzing over Josh Hazlewood’s insane record in finals — 9 out of 9 wins. Can he make it a perfect 10?
This may be South Africa’s best shot at a global title. But under cloudy skies, on a Lord’s pitch that offers something every session, it’s hard to look beyond the Australians — especially that bowling unit.
Broken Dream?
Final Test for Nathan Lyon? His rival, R Ashwin retired a few months ago. This is a season of Test retirements, will this by Lyon’s final hurrah?
Prediction
Heart says South Africa, mind says Australia. But I’m going with my gut: South Africa will win a close match.
Rabada knocks over Khawaja early
Cameos from keepers Carey & Verreyne
Gritty knocks in the second innings by Bavuma & Khawaja
Jansen and Hazlewood use the swing, Jansen dazzles with all-round show
Steve Smith left stranded as the lone warrior
Australia have the experience, but you cannot count South Africa out. Test matches are won in moments, and the Proteas have waited a lifetime to create theirs.
That’s it from me. What are your predictions? Comment below or share on social media!
On the day when the cricketing world was consumed by the overhyped dullness known as the India-Pakistan non-rivalry, the retirement of legendary writer Ian Chappell almost went unnoticed.
Chappell, cricket’s voice of reason, officially retired from writing at the age of 81.
His final piece for ESPNCricinfowas titled, “The time has come to put down the pen and pack away the computer” and In theMid-Day, it was even more blunt, “That’s it folks, I’m done.”
Ian Chappell has called time on his journalistic career. After writing his first column in November 1973, his last piece appears in today’s @mid_day. Well played, Chappelli. pic.twitter.com/MsvgWE0QYO
For someone who had shaped so many of my views on cricket, it felt like an end of an era. Here is what Ian Chappell meant to me.
Carrying Cricket’s Moral Burden
Chappell wrote for nearly 50 years — writing tribute articles, analyzing batting techniques, recalling lovely cricket stories, reviewing World Cups and Test Series, and much more.
But what will I miss the most?
Without a doubt, I will miss his “Doom and Gloom” cricket articles. You can get a gist of these articles by the titles themselves:
It felt as if Chappell was carrying cricket’s burden on his own shoulders.
Throughout his career, he served as one of cricket’s two moral fulcrums, calling out administrators and shedding light on the game’s deeper issues. (The other one being, Michael Holding).
You may agree with his views, you may not. But what you cannot deny is that Chappell never shied away from using his voice.
He called it how he saw it and did not bow down to the tactics of regulation media.
How Ian Chappell’s Writing Style Influenced My Own Writing
As Mama Bear from Goldilocks would say, Chappell’s articles were never too long, nor too short, they were “just right.”
He did not fill his posts with flowery language or movie quotes. He got straight to the point.
I never realized that I admired Ian Chappell until I reflected upon my own style of writing.
Over the years, I have been drawn to Harsha Bhogle’s command of language, George Dobell’s simplicity, Andrew Fidel Fernando’s satirical ingenuity, Melinda Farrell’s insightful interviews, and Jarrod Kimber’s versatility in content creation.
Little did I realize, though, that Chappell’s approach had subtly influenced my own writing style and ideas. Here are a few examples:
Chappell did it all — radio, newspaper, TV, published books. To excel in one career in remarkable achievement. He did it in two. Don’t forget, he had earlier scored over 5,000 Test runs, 14 centuries, averaged 48.07 in the new ODI format, and enjoyed a nearly 20-year first-class career.
To build a legacy across separate careers spanning generations is a story that deserves accolades. His influence on Australian cricket and cricket media was second to none.
If cricket ends up collapsing in the future due to the Big 3 takeover, imbalance of formats, influx of T20 leagues, overkill of cricket, incompetence of the ICC, or corruption— All I can say is that Ian Chappell warned us.
I will leave y’all with this quote from Chappell’s final Cricinfo article:
“A justifiable part of writing is, it’s all your own work — it might be rubbish, but at least it’s your rubbish.”
Ian Chappell, ESPNCricinfo
It wasn’t rubbish at all, Ian. Each and every word was well worth it.
Thoughts and ideas live forever. Your legacy lives on. You have changed cricket for the better. What a spectacular journey it has been. Happy Retirement.
“The ICC is widely regarded as an event management company. They should add ‘and not a very good one.'”
“Creating a balance between the financial rewards of T20 and the need to full test players in longer contests in a big challenge. The question is, do the administrators have a duty of care to talented kids of the future so they have the opportunity to experience the thrill of Test cricket?“
“An international schedule that has lately flourished like a mushroom in the dark is now resembling a block of Jarlsberg cheese with its trademark holes.”
We have had an incredible Test season, so let’s take a break, shall we?
Nope! The ICC has decided to squeeze in another irrelevant tournament in mid-February, right in the middle of a bazillion T20 leagues, just to make more money!
Even with the return of the ODI tri-series and the India-Pakistan hosting drama, keeping up with all the cricket has been exhausting.
Why not spice things up?
I just love musicals. So here is a Champions Trophy 2025 preview paired with a song that perfectly captures the essence of each team.
To get the full experience, take a moment and listen to all these performances. Feel the music.
1. Afghanistan – “Time to Defy Gravity”, Wicked
Defying Gravity Lyrics
“Something has changed within me, something is not the same.
I am through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game.
Too late for second guessing, too late to go back to sleep.
It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and LEAP.
It’s time to try defying gravity. I think I’ll try defying gravity. Kiss my goodbye, I’m defying gravity…And you can’t pull me down.
I’m through accepting limits ’cause someone says they’re so. Some things I cannot change, but till I try, I’ll never know.
Too long I’ve been afraid of losing love I guess I’ve lost…..”
…Everyone Deserves a Chance to FLY! And if I am flying solo, at least I am flying FREE.”
Interpretation for Afghanistan’s Chances in Champions Trophy 2025
The amount of talent in Afghanistan’s grass root cricket is unparalleled. From the depths of Division V cricket in 2008 all the way to the T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024, their rise has been heartwarming. A team outside of the top 10 taking giant strides is a beautiful story in the world of sport, let alone cricket.
But now Afghanistan, it is time to jump to the next level. It’s time to Leap and Defy Gravity.
No Mujeeb, No Ghazanfar, No Naveen-ul-Haq. No Qais. And yet, they boast an XI of
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), 2. Ibrahim Zadran, 3. Rahmat Shah, 4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), 5. Azmatullah Omarzai, 6. Gulbadin Naib, 7. Mohammad Nabi, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Naveed Zadran, 10. Fazalhaq Farooq, 11. Noor Ahmad with talented players like Sediquallah Atal waiting on the sidelines.
The complete ODI unit. All bases covered, multiple stars, and the heart of it all, the ever passionate Rashid Khan.
Afghanistan cricket, you really deserve a chance to fly.
2. India – “The Winner Takes it All”, Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia Lyrics
“I don’t wanna talk about things we’ve gone through,
Though it’s hurting me, Now it’s history.
I’ve played all my cards And that’s what you’ve done too. Nothing more to say, no more ace to play.
The winner takes it all. The loser’s standing small. Beside the victory, That’s her destiny.
…But I was a fool, playing by the rules. The winner takes it all, the loser has to fall.”
Interpretation for India’s Chances in Champions Trophy 2025
Let’s take a moment and appreciate Meryl Streep’s greatness in that clip.
In any case, India won a T20 World Cup last year, but the scars of the ODI World Cup Final have never really healed. The mention of November 19th sends shivers down all Indian cricket fans’ spines even to this day. India know more so than any other team in the last decade that “the winner takes it all,” and indeed, “the loser has to fall”—2017 Champions Trophy Final, 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final, 2023 ODI World Cup Final.
No Bumrah, an injury prone Shami, a Kohli that is low on confidence, and an inexperienced Rana, no Siraj, no Jaiswal, and none of the hundred other players India keep producing.
And guess what? India still go in as favorites. Watch out for Shreyas Iyer, the antidote to the #4 achilles heels. With KL-Axar-Jadeja-Hardik following and Arshdeep-Kuldeep-Varun, India have multiple X-factors (and Rohit-Gill themselves are doing pretty well themselves with recent centuries).
So team India, though it still hurts, the 2023 WC Final is now history. Time to forget, forgive, and win an ICC ODI Trophy.
Interpretation for England’s Chances in Champions Trophy 2025
Eoin Morgan’s retirement anniversary is circulating on social media. You don’t really know what you had until it is gone. The likes of Eoin Morgan, Jason Roy, Liam Plunkett, Moeen Ali changed the way England play limited overs cricket. The clutch game awareness of Ben Stokes and Alex Hales would later seal the deal with the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Since then? 7th in the ODI World Cup, an abysmal 4-10 record, and have lost every ODI series since then: Twice against West Indies and one each against Australia & India.
Not all hope is lost though. Joe Root is back and they possess a ruthless fast bowling squad of Carse-Atkinson-Archer-Wood-Overton-Mahmood. They have the ingredients, but something needs to change in their belief and gameplay.
Otherwise, all that will be left is memories of an ancient time when England were good.
4. South Africa – “I Dreamed a Dream”, Les Miserable
I Dreamed A Dream Lyrics
“I dreamed a dream in time gone by when hope was high and life worth living. I dreamed that love would never die. I dreamed that God would be forgiving.
Then I was young and unafraid. And dreams were made and used and wasted….
..But the tigers come at night with their voices soft as thunder. As they tear your hope apart as they turn your dream to shame.
And still I dream he’ll come to me…But there are dreams that cannot be and there are storms we cannot weather.
I had a dream my life would be so different from this hell I’m living. So different now from what it seemed now life has killed the dream I dreamed.”
Interpretation for South Africa’s Chances in Champions Trophy 2025
So near, yet so far has been the story for the Proteas in ICC tournaments. Historically, tigers have come at night, teared their hopes, and killed their dreams. Every. Single. Time.
With the women going past the semi-finals in the T20 World Cup, we thought the monkey is off the back. And yes, the semi-final monkey is gone. But now they have Finals horrors—Two Women’s T20 World Cup finals, one men’s T20 World Cup final, and now an U-19 women’s WC final (with a WTC Final on the horizon).
They have a good combination of youth and experience this time around. Bavuma-Rassie-Markram-Miler-Klaasen-Shamsi-Maharaj-Rabada-Ngidi form the core of the side with in-form Ryan Rickleton, Tony de Zorzi, Stubbs, and Jansen to support.
Interpretation for New Zealand’s Chances in Champions Trophy 2025
The Kiwis have made it a habit to steal other teams’ stars during ICC tournaments. And yet, they somehow end up falling short and are never enough.
This side looks different. The 2015-2023 generation is basically all gone. No Guptills, Southees, or Boults.
They are coming off a convincing tri-series win. With a new captain in Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson rolling out centuries for fun, Will O’Rourke, the new six and a half foot giant in NZ’s armory, and the ultimate all-rounder in Glenn Phillips, NZ are the dark horse yet again.
They have the talent, but are not a polished unit yet. Babar and Shaheen are not in the greatest of forms, they have conceded 350+ runs recently, and they have even puled Faheem Ashraf out of thin air. But guess what? Fakhar-Rizwan are in form, they have successfully chased 350+, and they have found Salman Agha at #5.
As a non-Big 3 nation, they have to holler just to be heard in the world of cricket. However, this is the best chance they have had in years. They have the home crowd to bank. It’s time to take your shot, Pakistan.
7. Bangladesh – “Stayin’ Alive”, Saturday Night Fever
Stayin’ Alive Lyrics
“Whether you’re a brother or whether you’re a mother, You’re stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.
Look out for Towhid Hridoy, a retiring Mahmudullah, the all-round greatness of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and the fast bowling wealth Bangladesh have recently have found.
8. Australia – “So Long, Farewell”, Sound of Music
So Long, Farewell Lyrics
“So long, farewell. Auf Wiedersehen, good night.
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.
…I am glad to go, I cannot tell a lie…goodbye!”
Interpretation for Australia’s Chances in Champions Trophy 2025
This is not a picture of Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl from the Sound of Music.
Rather, it is a picture of Marcus Stoinis (retired), Mitchell Starc (personal reasons), Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh (injured) bidding adieu to the Champions Trophy.
Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka are scoring centuries. Wellalage and Theekshana are bamboozling the Australian batters.
West Indies have a 4-2 record in ODIs against England in the last two years. Shai Hope is an ODI legend, Evin Lewis has made a marvelous comeback, Motie-Forde-Jayden Seales are the next gen. Sherfane Rutherford-Hetmyer-Pooran form a formidable middle order.
Brian Bennett scores a 169 in an ODI. Sikandar Raza keeps winning T20 matches around the world, and they have the accuracy of Blessing Muzarabani-Ngarava to keep them competitive.
And yet, none of these four proud cricketing nations will compete in the Champions Trophy. I hope we don’t forget these teams, and the ICC keeps growing the game of cricket.
Since 2008-09, Pakistan fans have been deprived of watching cricket at home.
Pakistan cricket has been on the outside looking in all these years. However, now, the fog has been lifted. I hope this is a turning point in Pakistan cricket, and they host a memorable tournament.
Bonus 2 : For the Cricket Fans: “A Million Dreams”
A Million Dreams Lyrics
“They can say, they can say it all sounds crazy.
They can say, they can say I’ve lost my mind…We can live in a world that we design.
‘Cause every night I lie in bed, the brightest colors fill my head
A million dreams are keeping me awake. I think of what the world could be, the vision of the one I see.
….However big, However small, let me be a part of it all. Share your dreams with me.“
Interpretation
And finally, for the fans.
The amount of cricket has been increasing and the quality has been decreasing. The Champions Trophy feels like yet another meaningless tournament played in an almost forgotten format.
Regardless of this disillusion, we all are pure cricket fans deep down. So let’s hope that the cricket in the Champions Trophy is enthralling and the billion dreams continue to keep fans awake around the world.
Other Musicals That Did Not Make it in the Final Cut
375 articles and four and a half years later, we are going back to our roots. Thanks to diplomat and cricket enthusiast—Michael Appleton to get me inspired and thinking on these lines again from this tweet:
To every 🏴 🇦🇺 🇮🇳 fan/journalist/former/current player complaining about the format of the WTC: I have a deal for you!
If you’re prepared to give up the five-match Test series that your three countries play, I can design a WTC in which everyone plays everyone the same amount!
That original article explored how to reduce the imbalance of the Big 3 (India, England, Australia) in WTC scheduling, but still keep the ‘marquee’ series like The Ashes or Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, it was a bit too unrealistic.
Later, I would research how much money it takes to host a Test match and realized that finances are the root of almost all problems in the world of cricket. In all sense of the phrase—It’s the economy, stupid.
Today, I will try to put all of these ideas together and form a combined thesis towards a World Test Championship (WTC) system that (1) can realistically work in today’s world, (2) is financially viable, (3) includes equidistribution of Tests for every team, (4) implements two Test windows, and (5) come up with a realistic value for a Test match fund.
Part I: Solving the Equal Matches Per Team Problem
One of the major issues in the current iteration of the WTC is the imbalance of the number of Tests each team plays. This is due to the influence of the Big 3 as well as the high cost to host a Test.
Current World Test Championship Table
Here are the number of matches each team will play in the 2023-25 WTC cycle:
22 – England
19 – India, Australia
14 – New Zealand, Pakistan
13 – Sri Lanka, West Indies
12 – South Africa, Bangladesh
We can see that the Big 3 play 5-10 Tests more than each nation. This is mainly due to the ‘marquee’ series like Ashes (Aus-Eng), BGT (Aus-Ind), and Ind-Eng.
How can we keep the drama of the marquee series alive but ensure an equal footing for each team?
Solution: Sweet 17—One Match Sacrifice Required by The Big 3
To resolve this issue, we will introduce the two-tiered relegation promotion system.
Each tier will consist of six teams including Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan (I mean, why give out Test status when you’re not going to have Afghanistan and Ireland play on a regular basis). We will show this by example with the current Top 6 rankings in the current WTC table.
Tier 1: India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Tier 2: Pakistan, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan
The Constraints
Once we had this framework, the next question was what is the ideal number of matches each team in Tier 1 can play so that (1) there are no two-Test series, (2) each of the six teams plays each other once, (3) there is an equal amount of home and away matches, (4) India-Australia-England get to keep their ‘marquee’ series, and (5) most importantly, each team plays the same number of games.
I treated this challenge as a Sudoku puzzle. And boy was this a tough challenge! (Photos of my scribbling with my earlier attempts are at the bottom of the article for your kind perusal).
20-matches? Too many. 16 matches? Not enough to satisfy all the constraints.
17? Ahh, there’s the goldilocks zone!
Here is the solution I came up with:
Each team plays two 4-Test series and three 3-Test series, for a total of 17 matches each.
The 17 Tests are going to be divided in 7-home, 7-away, and 3-neutral Tests, where each of the Big 3 get to host one neutral series.
The 7-home and 7-away matches will consist of exactly one 4-Test series and one 3-Test series.
Altogether, Tier 1 will consist of exactly 50 Tests.
Top 2 teams will compete in a 3-Test final series at a neutral venue (taking the total to 53 Tests).
The crux? India-Australia and the Ashes have to sacrifice the 5-Test series. I tried adding a 5-4-3 solution (one 5-match series, one 4-match, and one three match series, but it would require NZ-SL to play 5 Tests or the Ashes to be reduced to 3 Tests).
Two 4-match series worked out just right for everybody.
Tier 1 WTC Schedule Breakdown
IND
AUS
ENG
SA
NZ
SL
IND
X
4
4
3
3
3
AUS
4
X
4
3
3
3
ENG
4
4
X
3
3
3
SA
3
3
3
X
4
4
NZ
3
3
3
4
X
4
SL
3
3
3
4
4
X
Total
17
17
17
17
17
17
Legend
Home, Away
Neutral
Ind vs SL in Australia
Aus vs NZ in England
Eng vs SA in India
You can interpret the above table as follows: India hosts England (4 Tests) & New Zealand (3), play away tours to Australia (4 Tests) & South Africa (3), and finally play a 3-Test neutral series against Sri Lanka.
Tier 2 WTC Schedule Breakdown
Each team plays two 3-Test series and three 2-Test series, for a total of 12 matches each.
For this example, since Pakistan is in this tier, the UAE will be chosen as the neutral venue for all neutral matches.
Tier 2 will consist of exactly 36 Tests.
Top 2 teams will compete in a 3-Test final series at a neutral venue (taking the total to 39 Tests).
PAK
WI
BAN
ZIM
IRE
AFG
PAK
X
3
3
2
2
2
WI
3
X
3
2
2
2
BAN
3
3
X
2
2
2
ZIM
2
2
2
X
3
3
IRE
2
2
2
3
X
3
AFG
2
2
2
3
3
X
Total
12
12
12
12
12
12
Home, Away
Neutral
Pak vs Afg in UAE
WI vs Ire in UAE
Ban vs Zim in UAE
At the end of the WTC cycle, the bottom two teams from Tier 1 will be relegated to Tier 2, while both finalists from Tier 2 will be promoted to Tier 1.
Is it Too Much Test Cricket?
No.
Including the final series for both tiers, there will be a total of 92 Test matches in two years.
The first three iterations of the WTC had 61, 70, and 70 matches respectively. 92 here includes 12 Tests each for Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Ireland and the two final series, which is pretty balanced overall.
The compromise for equal games for each team is that the Big 3 will play 3-5 Tests less than the usual, while the mid-tier teams will play 3-5 more Tests than usual.
In this model, we are asking South Africa, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand to host one 4-Test series in a two-year cycle, but do they have the money? Probably not (and that is why we are also having the neutral Tests hosted in India, England, Australia, or the UAE—countries that can afford it).
We had estimated last year that it takes a mammoth $350,000-$1.4 million to host a Test match and studied why teams like NZ & SA lose money while hosting a Test.
On the other of the spectrum, a series like Ashes can incur costs anywhere from $3-7 million. The cost depends on various factors such as technology, review system, support personnel, hotels, travel, security, etc. One quick example is Australian broadcasting using an 80-camera system for the BGT 2024-25 series.
Higher quality, but comes with higher costs.
Cost Estimation: So, How Much Money is Needed to Sustain a Fair WTC?
To estimate the cost of hosting the WTC, we will first presume that the Tests hosted by Big 3 as well as the two final series (3 Tests each) will be on the higher end of the hosting costs.
India, England, and Australia will each host 8 Teams (7 home + 1 neutral) for a total of 24 matches. The 6 Tests for the two final series will make it about 30 high-quality expensive Tests and 62 Tests on the lower end.
The 62 Tests will cost anywhere from $21.7 million-$86.8 million, while the 30 Tests will take about $70-210 million. Overall, a 92-Test WTC will cost somewhere between $91.7-296.8 million.
Where Will Get the Money From?
The ICC recently mentioned a possible $15 million Test match fund in the form of $10,000 minimum Test fee as well as a ‘touring fee’. That is a step in the right direction, but more targeted funding is needed.
In our WTC model, we are asking SA, SL, and NZ to host about 4 Tests more than they usually do and Afg, Zim, and Ireland to host 5 Tests each more than they usually do. That is about 27 extra Tests, which totals to $9.45 million-$37.8 million.
The ICC had a total surplus of $912 million as of December 2022 and have an estimated $200-$325 million profits in each of the last couple of years. Subsidizing the World Test Championship (WTC) with about 5-15% of their annual profits could solve the money problem.
If $17.5 million can be used to fund seven cricketers in a tournament that lasts less than 60 days, then surely $17.5 million could be found from somewhere (ICC + IPL + BCCI + sponsors) to fund six countries and Test cricket so it exists for the next 60 years.
The money in cricket exists. Just needs to be redistributed properly so that all interested parties are happy.
Note, from the current rankings, Tier 1 countries would include Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. All of these 3 countries are located in the southern hemisphere and hence, will host all their home Tests in the November-January window, including the coveted Boxing Day Test.
West Indies, England, and Ireland will host both their home test series between the June-August window.
Meanwhile, subcontinental nations (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE) can be more flexible and host one home series in each window.
Solution: Two 2-Hemisphere Test Match Windows
Here is how a potential two year cycle could look with the two separate windows without overcrowding the international calendar. We try to schedule Test cricket during peak summer times in each hemisphere to gain the most attention.
Test Match Window 1 Matches (November – January)
Tier 1
India in Australia (4 Tests), South Africa in Australia (3 Tests), India vs Sri Lanka in Australia (3 Tests)
Sri Lanka in South Africa (4 Tests), India in South Africa (3 Tests)
South Africa in New Zealand (4 Tests), England in New Zealand (3 Tests)
England in India (4 Tests), England vs South Africa in India (3 Tests)
Australia in Sri Lanka (3 Tests)
Tier 2
Bangladesh in Pakistan (3 Tests)
Afghanistan in Zimbabwe (3 Tests), Pakistan in Zimbabwe (2 Tests)
West Indies in Bangladesh (3 Tests)
Ireland in Afghanistan* (3 Tests)
West Indies vs Ireland in UAE (2 Tests), Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe in UAE (2 Tests)
Test Match Window 2 Matches (June – August)
Tier 1
Australia in England (4 Tests), Sri Lanka in England (3 Tests), Australia vs New Zealand in England (3 Tests)
New Zealand in India (3 Tests)
New Zealand in Sri Lanka (4 Tests)
Tier 2
Zimbabwe in Ireland (3 Tests), Bangladesh in Ireland (2 Tests)
Pakistan in West Indies (3 Tests), Zimbabwe in West Indies (2 Tests)
Bonus: Will West Indies Never Play India or Australia Again in this Model?
I know what you might be thinking.
If India, Australia, or England never relegate and West Indies never get promoted…are the days of the mighty West Indies versus the Australians and Indians over? 60 years of legacy down the drain?
Not quite. We have an addendum for this scenario as well.
One Optional Friendly Series Between the Two Tiers
If both teams agree (and there is space in the international calendar), an optional 1 to 3-match friendly Test series can be played between a country of the first and second tier. In our example, we may have:
India vs Afghanistan
Australia vs Zimbabwe (This is never going to happen, is it?)
Australia vs Pakistan
England vs Ireland
South Africa vs Zimbabwe
New Zealand vs West Indies
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
This can serve as (1) a practice tour (India playing Zimbabwe on way to their South Africa series), (2) a promotional event (India-Pakistan one-off Test in UAE), or (3) an actual friendly series to encourage lower-ranked countries to stay serious about Test cricket.
Final Thoughts
Is it the perfect plan?
No. In fact, there is never such a thing as a ‘perfect plan.’
But we can continue to strive for a more perfect system, can’t we?
At least it is good to see that World Test Championship (WTC) is taking flight. 4 years ago, not many took this as a serious competition or offered solutions. Now there is plenty of debate, which is good to see.
In 2020, I was quixotic with my outlook on cricket. Thought anything was possible.
In 2021, I was hopeless, doubting the system at every stage.
By the time we reached 2024, I became practical. And as we approach 2025, I have become a little more realistic.
Hopefully, this solution is actually realistic for the ICC and others in charge of cricket to consider.
****
Thank you all for reading! Comment below (or on social media about your thoughts and suggestions).
PS: Here is some bonus work on trying to find the ideal number of matches each team should play.
How do they compare to the standards of the English county teams? Which domestic teams made the largest strides in the last 1-2 years? And more.
I went through 504 pages of annual reports of these six clubs, so you don’t have to.
Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Key Takeaways
Western Australia ($43 million profit), South Australia ($3.6 million), New South Wales ($1.4 million), and Queensland ($970,000) made profits in the last year, while Victoria ($180,000 loss) and Tasmania ($1.6 million) suffered narrow losses.
Western Australia ($111 million), South Australia ($101 million), NSW ($99 million), and Victoria ($83 million) have the largest total assets.
The largest total liabilities also lies with Western Australia ($50 million) with NSW ($13 million) coming in next.
Which Australian Domestic Team Earned the Most Money in 2023-2024?
The data provided is from the annual reports of each domestic team with financials accounted for the annual period ending on 30 June, 2024. Note that the ‘total comprehensive income’ (revenue – expenses for the year) is denoted as the ‘annual income’ in the tables below.
Note: All amounts are presented in Australian Dollar (AUD). The conversion between USD and AUD on 11/17/2024 is as follows: $1 AUD = $0.65 USD or $1 USD = $1.55 AUD.
1. Western Australia ($43 Million Profit)
Home Ground: Perth Stadium, WACA
Financial Health Status:Green
Assessment: The WACA Ground Improvement Project (WGIP) grant has inflated the revenues and assets for WA’s 2023-24 financial statement. Altogether Western Australia
“The final net result for the year was a surplus of $43,331,783 ($3,545,655 in 2022-23), achieved after including capital grants relating to the WACA Ground Improvement Project (WGIP) which have been recognised as revenue during the year….The net result from our normal business operations excluding WGIP related items was a deficit of $1,625,663 (surplus of $1,283,001 in 2022-23).“
Highlights from Executive Report
“Our success on and off the field would not have been possible without the support of our growing Membership, with a record number of 4,800 new Members across WACA and Perth Scorchers products this season.”
Other Key Points
Total cost for WGIP is $168,908,797 which will be funded by a combination of the state government ($109.7 million), federal government ($30 million), WA Cricket ($11 million), Cricket Australia ($4 million), and other funding sources. The project is set to be completed by July 2025.
Employee benefit expenses ($24.4 million in 2024 and $20.8 million in 2023) take up the largest portion of WA’s expenses. Contractors and consultant expenses also increased from $3.3 million in 2023 to $4.7 million in 2024.
+2% growth in children 5-12 playing cricket, +3% growth in junior boys, +5% growth in junior girls, +7% girls in Woolworths Cricket Blast, +13% increase in registered participation among women & girls.
“This summer, more than 18,000 Members attended international cricket, including the Men’s Test Match and T20 against the West Indies as well as the Women’s ODI against South Africa. More than 12,000 Members also attended WBBL Strikers games at Adelaide Oval and the Karen Rolton Oval. These numbers show that cricket is alive and well in this passionate sporting state.”
Other Key Points
Employee benefit expenses ($23.4 million – 2024 and $20.7 million – 2023) contributed to their largest expense,, while sales income ($52.6 million) generated the largest share of their income.
18% increase in girls cricket, 32% increase in SACA’s Primary School Cricket Competition, 5,660 registered in Junior cricket for ages 5-12 (4% increase)
Assessment: Although revenue remained steady in 2024, NSW’s expenses have increased this year. Since Cricket Australia’s distribution to NSW’s revenue will not increase, NSW had to make structural reorganization to balance their budgets for the upcoming year.
“Financially, we performed effectively again, recording a small deficit against a break-even operating budget and achieving a better than budget result in our total comprehensive income…Unfortunately, confirmation from Cricket Australia that there would be no increase in their distribution for 2024/25 required us to look at our cost structure and resulted in a reshaping of our organization.”
Highlights from Chairman’s Report
“The game of cricket itself continues to grow around the world. Cricket is now the second most loved sport in the world and the revenues in our game globally have grown substantially. Cricket NSW is determined to ensure Australia doesn’t get left behind…Last year Cricket NSW entered into an arrangement with Major League Cricket in the United States and helped develop the T20 league in that country. And we continue to push the cricketing world to ensure the traditional (and to many the best) format of our great game, Test cricket, doesn’t just survive but thrives.”
Other Key Points
“Cricket balls are one of the biggest expenses clubs incur during the season” and the $10,000 donation from Homestar Finance helped purchase cricket balls for 17 clubs in the region.
Cricket Australia Distributions provided the largest factor in revenue in 2024 ($43.3 million our of $64.1 million).
Players payment pool ($14.6 million), cricket performance ($10.47 million), and match/venue ($10.47 million) were the largest expenses for NSW.
30% increase in 5-12 year old cricket, including 50% increase for 5-12 year old girls.
Assessment: Financially, the revenue and expenses both increased, keeping them relatively stable. However, it was quite evident from the annual report that Queensland is disappointed in not hosting a Gabba Test in the 2026-27 season due to government’s Olympic planning.
“The State Government’s decision to not progress with its commitment to rebuild the Gabba and downgrade its proposed Olympic role has resulted in direct and indirect changes to how we proceed with our business…The most obvious impact will be that for the first time since 1976-77, a Test match will not be held at the Gabba in 2026-27…It is deeply disappointing that the 2026-27 Gabba Test has become a casualty of the uncertainty around the infrastructure planning and development ahead of the 2023 Olympic preparations.”
Highlights from CEO’s Report
“…Queensland Cricket was again able to achieve its budgeted financial surplus target for the year…The surplus amounted to $968,451 (2023: $863,602) which incorporates an amount of $442,142 representing gains from the QCA Future Fund. Excluding this amount, which is not available for general use, the net operating surplus for the year was $526,309.”
Other Key Points
ACIF (Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund) contributed about $13 million across two rounds in improved cricket facilities and infrastructure.
“Participation in junior club cricket remains flat Statewide and has decreased in some regions.”
On the other hand, girls cricket is growing with 152% and 290% increase in Brisbane North and Bayside East/Redlands regions respectively. North Queensland has also seen a 1,000+ participation increase (27%).
TV viewership for Brisbane Heat in the BBL season average 759K per game. In particular, “Channel Seven’s free to air coverage was a particular highlight…[viewership] increasing by 40%” for Heat matches.
Employee benefits expense ($24.3 million – 2024, $21.2 million – 2023) was the largest expense for Queensland, with ‘state cricket match expenses’ coming next with around $3.8 million for 2024 ($4.3 million for 2023).
“…Cricket Victoria concluded the year reporting a $184,000 deficit for 2023-24…Pleasingly, key BBL revenue streams including ticketing and sponsorship continued to grow and return towards pre COVID levels. We also saw growth continuing across our new revenue streams – Cricket Victoria Foundation, School Holiday Programs and Melbourne Cricket Education Academy. Additional costs were incurred through the BBL season, as well as set up costs associated with the roll-out of new revenue initiatives that are planned for FY25 including the Victoria Health Club and Melbourne Cricket Academy.”
Highlight from Director’s Report
“Costs increased versus prior year, notably in employee related expenses reflecting the increase in payments to both male and female players. Employee expenses also rose with new roles added to support revenue growth initiatives and high performance, as well as general cost of living and legislated increases.”
Other Key Points
Men/boy’s participation grew 7.3%, women’s/girl’s participation grew 14.3% with over 41,000 boys/girls registered in the 5-12 year age group.
Over 60 projects received $1.3 million from ACIF for infrastructure improvement.
Employee, player, volunteer, and contractor benefit expenses was the largest expense incurred by Cricket Australia ($29.7 million – 2024, $25.7 million – 2023).
Home Ground: Bellerive Oval, Macquare Point Stadium, UTAS Stadium
Financial Health Status:Yellow
Assessment: While revenue streams remained steady for Tasmania between 2023 & 2024, expenses increased by about $4.5 million. The annual report offered positive outlook nevertheless with growing popularity, investment, and awareness of the sport in Tasmania.
“Investment in infrastructure is imperative from a professional and game development point of view, and the Macquarie Point Stadium project presents an exciting opportunity for sport in our State and for young Tasmanians to fulfill their dreams at home. I am firmly of the view that this is the sort of positive change that can set both Tasmania and cricket up to thrive in the future.”
After going through all these annual reports, one thing is clear—Australian cricket is thriving!
Membership is growing, investment and infrastructure development projects are on the rise, and the growth in junior girls cricket is on the rise as well. No wonder Australia continues to dominate world cricket and win trophies in both women’s and men’s cricket. They have a prospering and financially stable domestic system.
A common theme between all the teams was that expenses increased from 2023 to 2024 due to employee benefit and payment increase, which is probably a good thing. As long as the revenue continues to increase as well, the future looks good for Australian cricket.
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Thanks for reading!
Before you Go, Please Check out my Book on Amazon on the Life Lessons from the Border Gavaskar Trophy!
The 2024 T20 World Cup is around the corner and only question is in everyone’s mind—Can the mighty Australians be defeated?
In 8 T20 World Cups so far, they have won six, were runners-up and semi-finalists in the other two. West Indies & England are the only other two winners, although India & South Africa have upped their credentials recently in the shortest international format.
The World Cup has been moved from Bangladesh to the UAE, and Scotland are the newest entrants in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
The format? 10 Teams, 2 Groups of 5 followed by semi-finals and a final:
Group A: Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Group B: Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, West Indies
I went through all 150 players’ ESPNCricinfo profile pages and accumulated this data so you don’t have to. Without further ado, here is a quick snapshot of what you can expect in the Women’s 2024 T20 World Cup.
Key Takeaways
Bangladesh & Scotland are fielding the youngest units (averaging the age of 25), while Sri Lanka (30) and West Indies (29) have the oldest average age.
Australia has the most experienced squad averaging about 66 matches per player, while Scotland has the least experience, averaging 33 matches per player.
India has the highest total number of runs scored (13,820) followed closely by Australia (12,163), England (11,769), and New Zealand (11,376).
West Indies and Sri Lanka have the highest total number of wickets taken (592 each), while Scotland (261), Bangladesh (302), Pakistan (389), and India (421) have the lowest.
Australia have won each of their last 10 T20Is, England has won 9/10, and New Zealand has lost all 10 out of 10.
Here is a quick statistical glance at each team separated by groups.
Table of Contents
Jump to the preview of the team you want to look into or predictions at the very bottom.
2024 T20 Women’s Cricket World Cup: The Ultimate Preview
*Note: The average T20I experience and average age are rounded up.
1. Australia T20 World Cup Preview
World Cup History: SF, Won, Won, Won, Runners-Up, Won, Won, Won
Last 10 Matches (Most Recent First): WWWWWWWWWW
Group Stage Opponents (In Order): SL, NZ, Pak, Ind
Australia Team Characteristics
Average T20I Experience
66 Matches (980 among 15 players)
Average Age
28
Total T20I Runs
12,163
Total T20I Wickets
568
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8
2
# of Bowling Options
12 (7 Right Arm Pace, 2 Off Spin, 2 Leg Spin, 1 Left Arm Spin)
# of Keeping Options
2
Strengths
The Australian all-rounders are the envy of the world: Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, and Ash Gardner to name a few. Key to Australia’s bowling strategies, they are also the engine room. Time and time again, rescuing Australia or providing the big finishes. And in case any of them have to be left of the XI, Annabel Sutherland is waiting in the wings. Amazing depth!
Weaknesses
Will the lack of Meg Lanning leave a whole in the middle order? Also, how will Healy take the pressure of T20 World Cup captaincy? Also the heat in the UAE has been a talking point leading up to the makeshift World Cup in the UAE.
Look Out for
With the Ball: Sophie Molineux. Her spin will be crucial to keeping the run rate down in UAE conditions.
With the Bat:Phoebe Litchfield. This 21-year old future star is averaging 42.5 and striking at 158.38 in her 10 inning T20I career so far.
World Cup History: Round 1*, Round 1, Round 1, Round 1, Round 1
Last 10 Matches: LWWLLLLLLL
Group Stage Opponents: Sco, Eng, WI, SA
*qualified for the first time in 2014
Bangladesh Team Characteristics
Average T20I Experience
42 (619 among 15 players*)
Average Age
25
Total T20I Runs
4,944
Total T20I Wickets
302
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8
1
# of Bowling Options
9 (4 Right Arm Pace, 3 Leg Spin, 1 Left Arm Spin, 1 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options
1
Fun Fact: 2 Debutants in the Squad
Strengths
Sultana is carrying some form from the Asia Cup—48*(59), 62*(37), and 32 (51).
Weaknesses
After the Asia Cup, Bangladesh made five changes to the World Cup squad with Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider, Ishma Tanjim, Sabikun Nahar, and Shorifa Khatun dropped. Unsettled squad is not a good sign going to a world cup. Also the noise outside of cricket may affect the players. With the revolution in Bangladesh and the WC moved out from Bangladesh to the UAE, things are all over the place for the Tigers currently.
Look Out for
With the Ball:Jahanara Alam, one of the faster bowlers in women’s cricket, can she make use of the UAE pitches to the fullest?
With the Bat:Nigar Sultana. Captain will have to lead from the front if Bangladesh has any chance.
Expected Starting XI: 1. D Akter, 2. M Khatun, 3. Mostary, 4. Sultana (WK), 5. Nehar, 6. S Akter, 7. R Moni, 8. R Khan, 9. N Akter, 10. Alam, 11. S Khatun
World Cup History: Won, Round 1, Runners-Up, Runners-Up, SF, Runners-Up, SF, SF
Last 10 Matches: LWWWWWWWWW
Group Stage Opponents: Ban, SA, Sco, WI
England Team Characteristics
Average T20I Experience
60 (890 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age
26
Total T20I Runs
11,769
Total T20I Wickets
474
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8
1
# of Bowling Options
12 (3 Right Arm Pace, 1 Left Arm Pace, 2 Left Arm Spin, 4 Off Spin, 2 Leg Spin)
# of Keeping Options
2
Strengths
Momentum. England have won 9 out of their 10 recent T20Is, although they lost the most recent one against Ireland—A team that did not qualify for the T20 World Cup. Another strength is the core experience in Danni Wyatt, Heather Knight, Amy Jones, and Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Weaknesses
The lower middle order has not had much of an opportunity.
Look Out for
With the Ball:Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Bell. Ecclestone has been at her economical best this year: 4.75, 7.5, 4.25, 3.88, 4.75, 9.0, 8.5, 6.25, 4.0, 7.5. Bell has taken 2 wickets or more in six of her last T20Is.
With the Bat: Sophia Dunkley is the next big player in England cricket. She has already proved her credentials in ODIs. Can he make her name in the shortest format?
Injury News
Squad: Heather Knight (C), Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Bess Heath (WK), Amy Jones (WK), Danni Wyatt, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith
World Cup History: SF, SF, Round 1, Round 1, Round 1, SF, Runners-Up, SF
Last 10 Matches: LWWWWW(NR)LWW
Group Stage Opponents: NZ, Pak, SL, Aus
India Team Characteristics
Average T20I Experience
64 (959 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age
27
Total T20I Runs
13,820
Total T20I Wickets
421
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8
3
# of Bowling Options
12 (3 Right Arm Fast, 1 Left Arm Spin, 1 Leg Spin, 7 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options
2
Strengths
The opening pair. Mandhana is striking at 122.82 at an average of 45 this year with fifties, while Shafali is averaging 36.16, striking at 132.72, and has 3 fifties, including an 81.
Weaknesses
Potentially unsettled batting order. In the last few matches, India have had a flexible middle order, which can both be a good or bad thing. Finalizing Rodrigues & Deepti Sharma’s batting position will do India a world of good. Deepti’s finish in the Hundred final was one for the ages.
With the Ball:Radha Yadav. This tournament might be one for left arm spinners in the UAE, and Radha Yadav is no exception.
With the Bat:Jemimah Rodrigues. She has already played a T20Is at the age of 24. Strike rate is at the lower end of 114.26, but is averaging 30.5 with 11 fifties, the glue that keeps the batting order together.
World Cup History: Runners-Up, Runners-Up, SF, Round 1, SF, Round 1, Round 1, Round 1
Last 10 Matches: LLLLLLLLLL
Group Stage Opponents: Ind, Aus, SL, Pak
New Zealand Team Characteristics
Average T20I Experience
60 (891 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age
27
Total T20I Runs
11,376
Total T20I Wickets
549
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8
1
# of Bowling Options
13 (8 Right Arm Fast, 3 Off Spin, 1 Left Arm Spin, 1 Leg Spin)
# of Keeping Options
1
Strengths
Suzie Bates. One of the greatest of all-time, Bates has given NZ decent this year: 43, 38, 16, 16, 33, 34, 19. Can she convert and play the match winning innings?
Weaknesses
New Zealand has been in complete disarray recently. Have not qualified for the semi-finals in the last 3 T20 World Cups and have lost all of their last 10 T20Is. The experienced Sophie Devine isn’t standing up consistently with the bat. Apart from the two fifties this year, she has scores of 17,0,9,5,12,4, and 5.
Look Out for
With the Ball:Amelia Kerr. Just watch her googlies. Talent for the ages.
With the Bat:Amelia Kerr. Also has a 232 in her name in ODI cricket. Can do everything.
Squad: Sophie Devine (C), Isabella Gaze (WK), Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer, Suzie Bates, Brooke Halliday, Amelia Kerr, Eden Carson, Fran Jones, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
11 (4 Right Arm Fast, 1 Left Arm Fast, 2 Leg Spin, 2 Left Arm Spin, 2 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options
2
Strengths
The Top 4. In the 3 matches Pakistan has won in their 10 matches, they have chased 87, chased 107 against UAE without loss (Feroza 62*, Ali 37*), and put up 181 against South Africa (Ali 45, Amin 28, Dar 29, Sana 37*).
Weaknesses
Apart from Sadia Iqbal (who has 24 wickets this year), there are no other standout performers: Nida Dar (13), Sana (7), Sandhu (7), Hassan (7), Baig (6).
Look Out for
With the Ball:Nida Dar. The stalwart is no longer the captain, but still the heart of the team. Has scored a few 20s recently, but can she convert it to 40s or 50s?
With the Bat:Sadia Iqbal. Another left arm spinner to look out for. Has taken 42 wickets in the last two years. Her bowling strike rate this year is 14.5, down from 22 and 24 in the previous two years.
World Cup History: Qualified for the first time in 2024
Last 10 Matches: WWLWWWLW(NR)(NR)
Group Stage Opponents: Ban, WI, SA, Eng
Scotland Team Characteristics
Average T20I Experience
33 (494 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age
25
Total T20I Runs
5,024
Total T20I Wickets
261
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8
0
# of Bowling Options
12 (6 Right Arm Fast, 1 Left Arm Fast, 1 Leg Spin, 4 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options
1
Strengths
Rising confidence led by the in-form captain, Kathryn Bryce. Scotland is coming off a win against Pakistan in the warm-up matches, a win against England, and most importantly, qualifying for the first time. Also, their schedule is in increasing difficulty: Bangladesh, WI, SA, and England. They may be favorites against Bangladesh and if they can surprise West Indies, you just never know.
Weaknesses
Lack of left handers in the batting order and no left-arm spin options..
Look Out for
With the Ball:Abtaha Maqsood, the leg spinner. Has been consistently among the wickets in the last 3 years, taking 9,10, and 9 wickets respectively. Her economy in 2023 was a miserly 4.86.
With the Bat:Saskia Horley. Across formats, Horley has been in tremendous form, scoring 100, 71, and 43 in ODIs, and following it up with a 48 in the T20 warm-up against Pakistan.
World Cup History: Round 1, Round 1, Round 1, SF, Round 1, Round, SF, Runners-Up
Last 10 Matches: WLWL(NR)WLLLL
Group Stage Opponents: WI, Eng, Sco, Ban
South Africa Team Characteristics
Average T20I Experience
52 (772 Matches Among 15 Players)
Average Age
27
Total T20I Runs
8,733
Total T20I Wickets
352
# of Left Handed Batters in Top 8
0
# of Bowling Options
11 (6 Right Arm Fast, 2 Left Arm Spin, 2 Leg Spin, 1 Off Spin)
# of Keeping Options
2
Strengths
South Africa’s batting order is one of the bests in the world. Starting from the captain, Wolvaardt-Brits all the way down to Kapp-Luus-Tryon. Annerie Dickerson who scored 44*(23) in her last outing, might not even start since Kapp is back.
Weaknesses
Lack of left handers in the batting order.Also, how will South Africa cope without Shabnim Ismail?
Look Out for
With the Ball:Marizanne Kapp. As the tournament approaches the latter part, Kapp’s importance increases. Her ability to set the tone with economical spells up front can set the tone for South Africa.
With the Bat:Chloe Tryon. One of the best finishers in the game and a complete all-rounder, watch out for Tryon if matches get close.
The lower middle order. While Gunaratne-Samarawickrama-Athapaththu, and Dilhari make up a strong Top 4, if they were to collapse, Sri Lanka would have a tough time coming back into the game.
Look Out for
With the Ball:Udeshika Prabodhani. With 80 wickets at 22.41 average, it is a pretty impressive accomplishment for a left arm medium.
With the Bat: Cannot look past Chamari Athapaththu. In Asia Cup, she had scores of 119*(69), 49*(35), 63 (48), and 61 (43).
Ash Gardner & Georgia Wareham are both cleared after they suffered concussions due to a clash in warm up drills.
Darcie Brown has recovered from foot stress fracture.
Broken Dreams
Final T20 World Cup for the likes of Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, Nida Dar, Heather Knight, Stefanie Taylor, and Harmanpreet Kaur?
Stalwart Jess Jonassen was left out of the squad even though Healy mentioned there was a small window of hope of her comeback if things change a few days before the World Cup.
Kate Cross and Tammy Beaumont, England legends and mainstays in the ODI squad, have been left out of the T20 World Cup squad. Shabnim Ismail had already retired, marking a few years of transition to come in women’s cricket.
BCD’s 2024 T20 World Cup Predictions
Finally, let’s get to the predictions!
Category
Team/Player
Winner
England
Runners Up
South Africa
Broken Dreams
India, Australia, Another Heartbreak for South Africa?
Most Runs
Laura Wolvaardt
Most Wickets
Sophie (Molineux & Ecclestone)
Player of the Tournament
Sophie Ecclestone
Surprising Factor
Scotland Wins At Least One Match, Sri Lanka Get to #3 in the Group
****
Thank you for reading! Comment below, what are your predictions for this T20 World Cup?
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That got me thinking—How expensive is it to watch cricket around the world?
To conduct this analysis, I went through the checkout process and attempted to buy tickets for different types of matches in the first 10 Test playing nations.
If you would like to listen to an engaging conversational AI generated podcast about this article, check this out.
Key Takeaways
England & Australia are the most expensive places to watch cricket (they also have the most opportunities to watch along with India). Ticket prices can range from $185-1400 in a season for England to watch a couple of days of Tests, a few County matches, a few Hundred & Vitality Blast games, and 2-3 limited over internationals.
On the other hand, in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, a fan can watch matches for as low as $1 USD and can watch several games in a season for about $100 on the higher end.
Watching domestic cricket is completely FREE in India, New Zealand, and South Africa (both List A & 4-day). All you need to do is show up at the stadium (So GO, what are you waiting for?)
Cost of Watching Cricket: Most Expensive Places to Watch Cricket Around the World
We will provide ranges and consider a few different categories (if data is available):
Limited Over Internationals (LOI) – both men’s & women’s
Test Matches
Domestic Competitions
Franchise Leagues
For the sake of the cost comparison, we will be looking at General Admission ticket for Adult guests (in some countries like England, ‘members’ of the club receive discounted prices given that they have paid the annual membership fee). This analysis does not include member prices, bundles, or other discounts (or service/handling fees & taxes).
Note: These are ballpark ranges. Ticket prices may vary based on the match (for example, knockout and Finals matches may be more expensive) and the stadium.
If a spectator in England watched 2 days of a men’s Test, 5 County games, 1 men’s international, 2 Vitality Blast matches, 2 Hundred matches, 1 ODI cup, one women’s international, and 1 Women’s Hundred match in a season, they would spend (on tickets alone) between $260-$504 depending on the stadium and up to $1393.3 if they only chose premium seating.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1929
Average Monthly Net Salary: $3288.55
Annual Inflation Rate: 2.5%
Estimated Monthly Savings: $1359.55
Percent of Savings Spent on Cricket (Live): 4.54%-34.16%
*These economic numbers are for the United Kingdom as a whole, not just England.
Type of Match
General Admission Ticket Price (Adult)
Premium Tickets
A Day of a Test
£38-85 ($50.6-113.1)
£95-145 ($126.6-192.9)
Men’s LOI
£20-40 ($26.6)
£135 ($179.9)
Women’s LOI
£5-10 ($6.7-13.3)
£65 ($86.6)
County
£6-15 ($8.0-20.0)
£23 ($30.6)
Vitality Blast
£15-25 ($20-33.3)
£150 ($199.5)
The Hundred
£11 ($14.7)
£35 ($46.6)
One Day Cup
£5-20 ($6.7-26.6)
£37 ($49.2)
*These are ticket prices for non-members
How Did We Estimate the Ticket Price Range?
The international costs above are estimated from the upcoming England-Zimbabwe Test, India-England Women T20I series, and the men’s South Africa-England series, while the domestic costs are a ballpark number based on perusing several County’s websites.
Note: The prices for domestic price tickets in England vary vastly based on the County/stadium. For example, Kia Oval is at the more expensive side: £15-20 for County Championship matches, £32-40 for Vitality Blast, £40-85 for a men’s T20I, £18-30 for a women’s T20I, and £85-145 for a Test match.
Other Costs: Car Parking (£5+), Guided Tours: (£0-30), Full Season Membership (£240-270), Food, Drinks, Concessions (varies)
Where To Buy Tickets: Tickets can be purchased on the County, stadium, or ECB website. For international matches, you have to enter a ballot and hence, may not be guaranteed a ticket if there is high demand.
If a cricket fan in Australia went to watch 2 days of a men’s Test, 1 ODI, 1 Sheffield Shield match, 2 BBL matches, one women’s international, and 1 WBBL match in a season, they would spend (on tickets alone) at least $180 AUD ($122.6 USD)and as much as $900 $(613 USD) if they chose the premium seating.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1,944
Average Monthly Net Salary: $3,819.73
Annual Inflation Rate: 3.5%
Estimated Monthly Savings: $1875.73
Percent of Savings Spent on Cricket (Live):2.2%-10.89%
Day 4 Tickets: For the Boxing Day Test MCG, the General Admission has a starting price for $30 with reserve stands as high as $85.
Type of Match
General Admission Ticket Price (Adult)
Premium Tickets/Lounge/SkyDeck
A Day of a Test
$30 AUD ($20.4 USD)
$170 AUD ($115.8 USD)
Men’s LOI
$30 ($20.4)
$170 ($115.8)
Women’s LOI
$20 ($13.6)
Domestic Cricket
$10 ($6.8)
Franchise Cricket(BBL)
$27.5 ($18.7)
$165 ($112.4)
WBBL
$10 ($6.8)
*Note: For some Tests (for example, Adelaide BGT, there are ‘Twilight Adult’ prices if the entry is after 5 PM at a discounted price of $22.5).
Watching 2 days of a Test, 2 SuperSmash matches, a men’s limited overs game, and a women’s limited over game can cost anywhere between $109 to $160 in a season.
Monthly Cost of Living: $1782
Average Monthly Net Salary: $3156.96
Annual Inflation Rate: 3.1%
Estimated Monthly Savings: $1,374.96
Percent of Savings Spent on Cricket (Live):1.96%-2.81%
Type of Match
General Admission Ticket Price (Adult)
Premium Tickets
A Day of a Test
$45 NZD ($28 US)
$70 NZD ($43.6)
Men’s LOI
$35 ($21.8)
$65 ($40.5)
Women’s LOI
$20 ($12.5)
Domestic Cricket
FREE
SuperSmash
$15 ($9.4)
*Note: A Test Match Pass (all 5 days) can be purchased, which ranges from $145-220 NZD.
Entry to Plunkett Shield (first class) and Ford Trophy (List A) are free.
Two days of a men’s Test, 1 Men’s ODI, 1 Women’s ODI, and 2 SA20 matches in Bangladesh would cost a spectator somewhere in the range of $44-89 in one season.
Monthly Cost of Living: $974
Average Monthly Net Salary: $1446.04
Annual Inflation Rate: 4.9%
Estimated Monthly Savings: $472.04
Percent of Savings Spent on Cricket (Live):3.1%-6.3%
In India, watching 2 days of a men’s Test, 1 ODI, 2 IPL matches, 1 women’s international, and 1 WPL match in a season, would cost (on tickets alone) between $30-140 on the lower end and about $294 on the higher end over a season. Keep in my end, that or certain IPL teams like RCB, tickets can go as high as $634 alone!
Monthly Cost of Living: $423
Average Monthly Net Salary: $633.49
Annual Inflation Rate: 4.6%
Estimated Monthly Savings: $210.49
Percent of Savings Spent on Cricket (Live): 14.25%+
*This is a bit skewed since population of India has widespread economic disparity. Those who can probably afford to purchase tickets are the only ones that would purchase those premium/VIP tickets.
Type of Match
General Admission Ticket Price (Adult)
Premium/VIP
A Day of a Test
INR 125-200 ($1.5-2.4)
INR 1000-2000 ($12-24)
LOI
INR 750 ($9)
INR 10000 ($119.8)
Women’s International
FREE*
INR 150 ($1.8)
Domestic Cricket
FREE
IPL
INR 700-5000 ($8.4-60)
INR 5000-52938 ($59.9-$634.4)
WPL
INR 100-500 ($1.2-6)
As per Hindustan Times, “Pricing is decided as per demand and supply, affordability, culture, and the eagerness of the people to pay” when it comes to IPL prices. Hence, there is a wide range in IPL tickets depends on which player/teams are playing and when the ticket has been purchased.
Here are some other notes:
Non-international matches are free to attend.
*The entry to women’s Test between India & South Africa was free, while the T20Is were priced for INR 150.
Long story short, watching sports can be a fun and expensive experience.
Final Thoughts
The main thought of writing this article was to answer the question, “Is cricket affordable for the common man?”
With rising cost of living standards around the world and mobile/TV accessibility of cricket, are boards doing enough to incentivize followers to go to the ground?
In general, cricket is not as expensive as other sports. However, if Test cricket is to survive, £95 Day 4 tickets is probably not going to help.
If the trend continues, cricket will become only an elitist game. It began as an elitist game, but do we want to keep it that way?
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Today we discuss the batters with the most runs in a single World Cup. Can anyone break Sachin Tendulkar’s record?
Let’s get straight into it.
Key Takeaways
Sachin Tendulkar scored the most runs in a single World Cup – 673 runs in the 2003 CWC. He is followed closely by Matthew Hayden (659 in 2007), Rohit Sharma (648 in 2019), and David Warner (647 in 2019).
Among batters with 450+ runs in a single tournament, Martin Crowe (114.00 average) in 1992 and Kumar Sangakkara (108.20) in 2015 had the highest average.
Sachin Tendulkar appears in this list thrice (2003, 1996, and 2011) while Kumar Sangakkara features twice (2015 & 2011).
There were many prolific performances in the 2019 CWC, yielding 9 450+ scores. The 2019 CWC was followed by 2007 CWC (7 450+ scores), 2011 & 2015 (3), 1996 & 2003 (2), and 1987, 1992, & 1999 (1).
In this group, AB De Villiers had (by far) the best strike rate – 144.31 (His 162* off 66 balls kind of skews the result). Other batters with 100+ SR are Kumar Sangakkara (105.87), Martin Guptill (104.58), Adam Gilchrist (103.89), Aaron Finch (102.01), and Matthew Hayden (101.07).
*Aravinda de Silva struck at 107.69 for his 448 runs & Jason Roy hit 443 runs at 115.36.
At a Glance: Most Runs in a Single World Cup Tournament: The Top 10
Player
Runs
World Cup
Sachin Tendulkar
673
2003
Matthew Hayden
659
2007
Rohit Sharma
648
2019
David Warner
647
2019
Shakib Al Hasan
606
2019
Kane Williamson
578
2019
Mahela Jayawardene
548
2007
Martin Guptill
547
2015
Kumar Sangakkara
541
2015
Ricky Ponting
539
2007
Evolution of the Most Runs in a Single World Cup (1975-2023)
1975: Glenn Turner (New Zealand) – 333
1979: Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) – 253
1983: David Gower (England) – 384
1987: Graham Gooch (England) – 471
1992: Martin Crowe (New Zealand) – 456
1996: Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 523
1999: Rahul Dravid (India) – 461
2003: Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 673
2007: Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 659
2011: Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – 500
2015: Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 547
2019: Rohit Sharma (India) – 648
Top 28 Most Runs in a Single ODI Cricket World Cup
The filter of 450 World Cup runs cut-off yielded 28 instances. Here are all the details.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 673 Runs, 2003 ODI World Cup
Who has scored the most runs in a single ODI Cricket World Cup?
Sachin Tendulkar scored the most runs in a single World Cup – 673 runs in the 2003 CWC. He is followed closely by Matthew Hayden (659 in 2007), Rohit Sharma (658 in 2019), and David Warner (647 in 2019).
Who has the highest World Cup average for batters scoring over 450 runs?
Martin Crowe (114.00 average) in 1992 and Kumar Sangakkara (108.20) in 2015 had the best average among this group.
