Women's cricket steps out of shadows to become game's next blockbuster

Not many realise that cricket's inaugural Women's World Cup actually preceded the men's event. The women took the field for their first World Cup in 1973, two years before Clive Lloyd's West Indians lifted the men's crown. From moving away from underarm bowling to embracing professionalism, the women have often been trailblazers of our great game.

- BY REX CLEMENTINE

The world's top eight teams are battling for glory in the Women's World Cup being played across Sri Lanka and India.

For far too long, women's cricket was left sitting in the pavilion while the men played on, short on attention, recognition and finances. But the ongoing Women's World Cup in India and Sri Lanka shows that the tide has turned. The women's game is fast becoming cricket's next big ticket.

Kerry Packer revolutionised the sport in 1977 and T20 cricket did the same decades later. If Packer brought colour to the game, T20 brought fortune, raising pay packets twenty-fold. Now, women's cricket is having its own watershed moment. Recognition, respect and rewards are finally flowing in, creating more jobs and opportunities around the game.