Cricket Australia Unveils Transformative Women and Girls Action Plan
In a landmark move, Cricket Australia has unveiled its comprehensive Women and Girls Action Plan, poised to revolutionize the landscape of domestic women’s cricket in the country. The plan, developed in close consultation with players and administrators, aims to elevate the sport and drive increased engagement and viewership.
Introducing a New Domestic T20 Competition
Headlining the initiatives is the introduction of a new domestic women’s T20 competition, complementing the reconfigured Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL). These changes will facilitate greater opportunities for elite talent, with the average salary of a state player set to rise to an impressive $163,000 per year.
The transition from a 56-game WBBL regular season to a streamlined 40-match schedule mirrors the refinements made to the men’s Big Bash League, allowing international players to participate in a larger share of matches. This strategic move is designed to enhance the overall viewing experience and drive fan engagement.
Strengthening Pathways for Aspiring Cricketers
To further bolster the pathways for aspiring cricketers, the new state-level domestic T20 competition will provide additional avenues for elite talent development. This, coupled with the increased expenditure on state players, underscores Cricket Australia’s commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive ecosystem.
Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry, who played a pivotal role in shaping the plan, emphasized the growing public appetite for women’s sport, stating, “We would love to see major stadiums filled with fans for our international and WBBL games and more girls inspired to play cricket.”
Ambitious 10-Year Targets
The plan also outlines ambitious 10-year targets, including an average annual attendance of 600,000 for all women’s cricket in Australia and a substantial increase in revenue from the women’s game to $121 million.
Cricket Australia’s chief executive, Nick Hockley, expressed his vision for the future, stating, “There is so much more opportunity and work to be done” in growing the women’s game. The Australian Cricketers Association, led by CEO Todd Greenberg, welcomed the plan as a “further step in the right direction” towards better commercialization and audience engagement.
This transformative Women and Girls Action Plan showcases Cricket Australia’s steadfast commitment to elevating the sport and inspiring the next generation of female cricketers, poised to shape the future of the game.
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