Increased Challenge from Associate Member Nations
Women’s cricket is undergoing a remarkable change. Historically, the differences between elite cricketing nations and associate members were clear (and often great), but it is no longer a matter of only being participants, associate women’s teams are now competing. Countries such as Thailand, UAE, Scotland, and PNG have taken steps to improve their overall level and have shown they can compete against (and defeat) full member teams during ICC qualifiers as well as regional tournaments. The increases in skills, fitness, and confidence are clearly evident.
Investment and Development at the Grassroots
This consistent improvement can be attributed to one significant factor, and that is investment into women’s cricket at the grassroots level. The ICC and within specific cricket boards of these associate nations are providing funding towards coaches clinics, infrastructure, and competitive experiences. The also have developed exchanges with front line cricket nations, and the players have played in their franchise leagues which have provided the players with experience on and off the field. Think about the journey of Thailand’s women’s cricket team, for instance. They were able to gain we respect at a global level by simply competing extremely well at the 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup. The bottom line is consistent development will lead to consistent improvement.
Enhanced Accessibility to Professional Coaching and Delivery
Access to improved coaching and high-performance programs is another key factor closing the gap. There is qualified support staff, physiotherapists and data analysts available to associate teams, which is a luxury only afforded by elite teams. The addition of women-specific ICC training modules to educate players and mentorship opportunities to learn techniques and match-winning mindsets from former internationals, has allowed associate teams to hold their own against their bigger opponents in bilateral and ICC events.
Greater Exposure, Greater Belief
Possibly, the biggest change has been a change of mindset. Playing more matches against stronger opponents has created a competitive spirit and belief amongst associate players. Media exposure, social media exposure, and regional T20 leagues have all raised the profile of associate teams. Young girls in countries like Nepal or the UAE now grow up with role models from their own national teams, which was not a thing a decade ago. The outcome? A willingness and desire to put themselves on the world stage—and the means to do it.
Stay Engaged to Up-and-Coming Teams on Kheloexch
Women’s cricket is on the rise, and it is exciting to be able to watch not just the top teams but the up-and-coming associate nations that will help transform the game on a global scale. Fans looking to follow these contests, stats and breakthrough moments can use these analysis platforms like Kheloexch to get up-to-the-minute developments across the games and continue to enhance their fan sports experience with various rewards and opportunities.
If this is your first time on our platform, we invite you to engage in the now and join the fun with a Kheloexch Signup. If you have already signed up, continue with a simple log of Kheloexch Login. Stay involved in the action—who knows what only team we have yet to see which could disrupt the established order?