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In the annals of Indian cricket, some moments transcend the game itself, sparking a revolution. One such moment arrived on July 20, 2017, when a then 28-year-old Harmanpreet Kaur unleashed an unbeaten 171 off just 115 balls against Australia in the Women’s World Cup semifinal. This phenomenal innings, played at a quiet county ground in Derby, resonated far beyond the stadium.
It was a performance that didn’t just win a match; it dramatically changed the trajectory of Indian women’s cricket, shaking administrators from their complacency and laying the foundation for unprecedented growth and eventual World Cup victories years later.
Harmanpreet’s Knock: The Catalyst for Change
Before Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive innings, women’s cricket in India was largely an afterthought. The Indian women’s team played a mere handful of international games annually, and domestic competitions were shrouded in anonymity. Investment was minimal, and the sport was often seen as a liability.
Her magnificent display in 2017, however, proved a powerful statement. It demonstrated the immense potential and return on investment available in women’s cricket, compelling the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to re-evaluate its approach and pour more resources into the system.
A Paradigm Shift in BCCI Investment
The impact of Harmanpreet’s knock was immediate and significant. The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA), then overseeing the BCCI, swiftly increased the budget for women’s cricket. This led to the introduction of a central contract system for women players in March 2018, marking a pivotal moment.
The financial commitment from the BCCI saw a dramatic increase across various facets of women’s cricket:
- International Tours: From Rs 6 crores in the 2017-18 financial year, the budget for international tours jumped fourfold to Rs 24.23 crores in 2018-19. By 2024-25, this figure reached Rs 69.5 crores, with Rs 85 crores reserved for 2025-26.
- Domestic Cricket: The budget for women’s domestic cricket escalated from Rs 24 crores in 2018-19 to a projected Rs 96 crores for 2025-26.
- National Cricket Academy (NCA): Allocation for NCA operations doubled from Rs 26 crores in 2017-18 to Rs 51 crores in 2018-19, and currently stands at Rs 126.29 crores, with a dedicated focus on women’s cricket.
This surge in funding has been crucial. Former India women’s team coach WV Raman highlighted how the NCA, under Rahul Dravid’s leadership, initiated crucial programs. “U-19 cricket got importance and so did ‘A’ tours for women. The NCA was opened to women cricketers across the country,” he noted, emphasizing how high-performance facilities and training became accessible, closing the gap with top teams like Australia and England.
From Spectator to Star: The Rise of a New Generation
The burgeoning investment has not only improved infrastructure but also nurtured talent. Jemimah Rodrigues’ journey perfectly encapsulates this transformation. In 2013, she watched a Women’s World Cup final in a near-empty stadium. By 2017, she was waiting at the airport to welcome the team home.
Eight years later, with a central contract and a flourishing Women’s Premier League (WPL) career, Rodrigues herself steered India to victory in a World Cup semifinal with an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, reminiscent of Harmanpreet’s heroic effort. She then lifted the trophy in front of packed stands, a stark contrast to the quiet final she witnessed a decade prior.
Bridging the Gender Gap: The Road Ahead
While Indian women’s cricket has made significant strides since 2017, the journey towards parity with men’s cricket is still ongoing. Disparities persist in contract values and domestic spending. In 2018, only 10 women players received central contracts totaling Rs 3.8 crores, compared to 26 men receiving Rs 81 crores.
The 2025-26 budget allocates Rs 92 crores for 34 men and Rs 6 crores for 16 women, even as the BCCI consistently retains a surplus of Rs 350 crores from the Women’s Premier League. Furthermore, men’s domestic cricket receives Rs 344 crores, including Rs 111 crores for the Ranji Trophy, while women’s domestic cricket is allocated Rs 96 crores and lacks a structured multi-day First-Class tournament.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia recently acknowledged this, stating the board’s intent to focus on red-ball cricket for women. “At the senior level, we must have more multi-day tournaments… Maybe we will have to introduce some tournaments having multi-day competition, just like the Ranji Trophy for the men,” he affirmed.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Built on Resilience
Harmanpreet Kaur’s breathtaking 171* in 2017 was more than just a magnificent innings; it was a watershed moment that ignited a revolution in Indian women’s cricket. It forced a re-evaluation of priorities, triggered substantial investment, and paved the way for professional leagues like the WPL and the emergence of new stars.
While the path to complete parity with men’s cricket remains, the strides made in recent years are undeniable. With continued investment, focus on grassroots development, and the introduction of more comprehensive domestic structures, the future for Indian women’s cricket shines brighter than ever, promising even greater heights and inspiring generations to come.
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