Unpopular Opinion: Women's Cricket Coverage in 2026 Is Still a Disgrace

Every International Women's Day, cricket boards post supportive messages about women's cricket. Every major women's tournament gets a promotional campaign. And every single day of the year between those moments, women's cricket is treated as an afterthought by the same organizations that claim to champion equality.

Compare the broadcast production quality of a men's ODI to a women's ODI. Fewer cameras, less sophisticated graphics, limited analytical tools, and commentary teams that are often comprised of whoever was available rather than the best in the business. The message this sends is unmistakable: women's cricket doesn't deserve the same production investment because it doesn't generate the same returns. But how can it generate returns when the investment isn't there to begin with?

In 2026, the pay gap between men's and women's cricket remains staggering. Top male cricketers earn millions from central contracts and franchise leagues. Top female cricketers in most nations earn salaries that wouldn't cover a male cricketer's kit sponsorship. Equal work doesn't demand equal pay when the revenue models differ, argue the apologists. But equal investment in development, facilities, and promotion? That's not even close to happening.

Women's cricket suffers from a vicious cycle:

The solution requires cricket boards to treat women's cricket as a long-term investment, not a short-term charity case. Ring-fence broadcast slots, mandate minimum production standards, and create standalone women's franchise leagues with genuine financial backing. Until then, every promotional tweet about women's cricket is nothing more than performative allyship from organizations that could do more but choose not to.