ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
Overview
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup is the premier international championship for women's One-Day International cricket. Remarkably, the first Women's World Cup was held in 1973, two years before the men's tournament, making it one of the oldest world championships in women's sport.
History
The Women's World Cup has a longer history than the men's tournament, with the inaugural edition held in England in 1973, organized by a group of English women cricketers led by Rachael Heyhoe Flint. Australia have been the most successful team, winning seven titles. The tournament has grown significantly in stature and viewership, particularly since the ICC took over its organization and increased investment in women's cricket.
Format Changes
The format has evolved from invitational events to a fully organized ICC tournament. The number of teams has varied, and qualification pathways have been formalized. Recent editions have featured round-robin formats followed by knockout stages.
Controversies
- •Historical lack of funding and media coverage compared to the men's game
- •Pay disparities between men's and women's cricket
- •Scheduling conflicts with other cricket events
- •2022: COVID-19 caused the tournament in New Zealand to be played without crowds initially
All Editions
| Year | Host | Winner | Runner-Up | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | England | England | Australia | Inaugural edition; predated the men's World Cup by two years |
| 1978 | India | Australia | England | |
| 1982 | New Zealand | Australia | England | |
| 1988 | Australia | Australia | England | |
| 1993 | England | England | New Zealand | |
| 1997 | India | Australia | New Zealand | |
| 2000 | New Zealand | New Zealand | Australia | |
| 2005 | South Africa | Australia | India | |
| 2009 | Australia | England | New Zealand | |
| 2013 | India | Australia | West Indies | |
| 2017 | England | England | India | Final at Lord's drew a sellout crowd; dramatic finish with India losing by 9 runs |
| 2022 | New Zealand | Australia | England | Alyssa Healy scored 170 in the final; tournament affected by COVID-19 restrictions |
| 2025 | India | TBD | TBD | Scheduled edition |