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England Women With The 1993 Women's World Cup (Source: @PictureSporting/x.com)
In today’s world, cricket is everywhere—on your TV screens or right at your fingertips. From Virat Kohli’s brilliance to Alyssa Healy’s fireworks, the game never lets you miss a moment, always unfolding live in front of you in the best way possible.
As Women’s cricket struggled a lot to gain its potential coverage, the start was not a cake walk. From the first official women’s match in 1934, it took nearly three decades before the game made it to a live broadcast. That breakthrough came in 1963, when the BBC televised the third Women’s Test between Australia and England, the first-ever live coverage of the women’s game.
Though women’s cricket got its first televised Test in 1963, the World Cup remained off-air for years, as fan interest was still limited. But the scenario changed when the BBC televised the 1993 Women’s World Cup final. From that historic moment to 2025, women’s cricket has not only evolved on the field but also experienced a broadcasting revolution that transformed the way the game is seen and celebrated.
Women’s Cricket Revolution Before Cameras Take Full Charge
After the men’s cricket arrived, women’s cricket also arrived following the way but the recognition took time. In 1926, the Women’s Cricket Association was formed, indicating a significant shift in the scenario. Eight years later, in 1934, the first official women’s international took place, laying the groundwork for history. Yet, the Women’s World Cup would arrive only decades later.
In 1971, there was a talk about the Women’s cricket World Cup, but it took two years to make it from the papers to the big stage. In 1973, England hosted the inaugural edition, with giants England Women and Australia Women battling for glory. Yet, despite the high-stakes cricket, what stood out most was the empty stands and no media coverage, a gentle reminder that fan interest was still far behind the game’s passion.
After the 1973 Cricket World Cup, the 1978, 1982, and 1988 Women’s World Cups suffered from this. Even as some of the finest talents of the women’s game displayed their brilliance on the field, the tournaments struggled in silence, overshadowed by poor coverage and little attention, leaving historic performances unnoticed by the wider world.
BBC’s 1993 'Grandstand' Stand Sparks Women’s Cricket Revolution
After 1988, the Women’s Cricket World Cup returned with its fifth edition in 1993. While the live coverage of the marquee tournament, the women's stars brought fierce battles on England’s challenging pitches, with teams chasing nothing less than royal glory.
When England and New Zealand clashed in a thrilling final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, a last-minute decision by the BBC transformed women’s cricket forever. As the match was about to go on the big stage, BBC decided to live telecast it, and the decision proved to be a game-changing one.
While facing the Kiwi Women’s, the England Women showcased their excellence on their home soil. Jenette Brittin, Carole Hodge, and Jo Chamberlain showcased batting brilliance and put on a total of 195 runs. Turning to their bowling, they unleashed relentless pressure, ultimately defeating New Zealand Women by 67 runs to lift the trophy in commanding fashion.
From First Live Telecast In 1993 to 2025: Women’s Cricket Evolves With Growing Media Coverage
Getting no coverage in the initial editions of the Women’s World Cup, the BBC’s significant move of telecasting the 1993 Women’s World Cup marked an era. When England Women faced New Zealand Women in a high-voltage clash, 2.5 million viewers tuned in, finally giving the players the recognition they deserved and ushering in a new era for women’s cricket.
As it started from one instant move, the media coverage turned Women’s cricket into something new. Evolving throughout the years, the 2017 World Cup edition welcomed some revolutionary editions.
Groundbreaking broadcasts and a worldwide audience like never before mark a new era for women’s cricket in the World Cup 2017. The debut of technologies such as DRS, Spidercam, and drones has played a significant role. With the 2025 Women’s World Cup approaching, fans are eagerly waiting for the next wave of innovations and unforgettable moments.
