The remarkable achievements of the FIFA Women’s World Cup have triggered a notable ripple effect in the realm of sports, as Cricket Australia (CA) emerges with impressive statistics showcasing substantial growth in female participation. The official census data for the 2022-23 season was unveiled on Monday, highlighting a 26 percent surge in registered participation among women and girls within cricket clubs, reaching a commendable figure of 50,377.

Australia’s women’s cricket team has been basking in a period of extraordinary success, successfully defending their T20 World Cup title and retaining the Ashes earlier in the year. This reign of accomplishments has resonated profoundly, particularly among young girls who perceive multiple avenues to build careers within the sports domain, whether through playing, coaching, officiating, or administration. James Allsopp, CA’s general manager of community cricket, expressed that this inspirational wave from the elite level has seamlessly translated into an influx of participation at the grassroots.

Allsopp acknowledged that cricket has played a pioneering role in the professionalization of the women’s game, propelling it onto a prominent pedestal. The sport is not the sole beneficiary of this trend, as other sports are also reaping similar outcomes. Capitalizing on the enthusiasm fueled by recent exhilarating Ashes series in both men’s and women’s cricket in England, CA aims to further solidify its gains.

Census figures spotlight an 11 percent rise in children aged five to twelve engaging in cricket last season. The captivating winter Ashes events have evidently inspired more children to be drawn to cricket at an earlier age. The allure of the men’s T20 World Cup hosted by Australia in October and November further ignited excitement, with notable turnouts to witness clashes involving cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan.

An intriguing demographic trend was observed during the census period, with a remarkable 60 percent increase in girls aged five to twelve from South Asian backgrounds engaging in cricket. Boys within the same age bracket from South Asian communities also demonstrated an uptick of 16 percent. Allsopp emphasized the importance of engaging with South Asian communities in the future.

In sum, Cricket Australia’s 2022-23 census report underscores the positive trajectory of the sport’s growth. Total registered participants surged by 5 percent, from 598,931 to 627,693. The registered participation in cricket clubs, encompassing both junior and senior levels, and Blast programs displayed a 4 percent increase, from 393,921 to 409,642. This expansion extended to the participation of women and girls in cricket clubs and Blast programs, with a notable surge of 26 percent, from 40,143 to 50,377. Meanwhile, the spirited engagement of children aged 5 to 12 resulted in an 11 percent increase, from 116,000 to 129,000. Blast registrations experienced a remarkable 24 percent hike, climbing from 56,464 to 69,879. Furthermore, junior club cricket registrations remained steady at 108,100 children.

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Photo Courtesy Cricket Australia

Courtesy Cricket Australia