HOW WOMEN CRICKET VIEWERSHIP CAN BE IMPROVED?

Women’s cricket has improved a lot over the years and there are many moments where we raise our brows for extraordinary hitting, beautiful bowling, and spectacular fielding effort. We may have not forgotten the Thailand fielder Nattakam Chandan’s brilliant dive to save a boundary during Women’s IPL or the recent Harleen Deol’s spectacular catch at the boundary during the England-India series. Still, why are we more inclined to men’s cricket?

If we are taking an example of another sport where we can find no difference (at least me) between men’s and women’s event is the Tennis. We could see the minimal difference in Football and Hockey. Though we can’t reach the level of Tennis, if we reach the level of Football/Hockey, we could considerably reduce the difference in viewership. I’ll discuss a few steps that can be taken. These are my own intentions and they may vary from person to person.

1.Full Fledged IPL:

It is commendable that Australia is conducting full-fledged BBL every year. Though that’s the case, IPL would improve Women’s cricket at levels unimaginable. Just for a moment, think about all the players (men) who have performed exceedingly well in White ball cricket. 90%+ would have taken part in IPL. IPL has 4 foreign slots so that overseas players can also improve a lot. IPL is surely about the multicultural mix between players of different countries and continents, international players with domestic players. But IPL is not only just that. It gets the best of the coaching staff across the world so that you can improve your game.

2. Pitch Length:

22 yards is a lot for women. Even the fast bowlers are reaching only the higher 110s. We need fast-paced action. This is not just a favor for bowlers but also the batswomen. For bowlers, they could get pace which could be deadly if they hit the right lengths. Do I need to tell more about faster swinging balls? They can generate bounce at a higher pace which could be handy in pressure situations. In a reduced pitch length, the pace off the ball will make a huge difference which may make the batswoman play the ball early. Spinners can’t complain either. They will get higher control over their balls. Flight bowlers may have to change their style.

As I said earlier, it is not a complete advantage for bowlers. The pace is always a double-edged sword. If the line is too outside or the length is too short, the batswoman has to just guide it on its way. Pace will do the rest. We may start seeing sixers of greater lengths once the pitch length is reduced and the pace increases.

In my opinion, if players are exposed to excellent coaching and the right preparations, they can ultimately match the intensity of men’s cricket. Viewership will improve if the intensity goes up. I guess that scenario is in the progress.