After a stunningly successful debut at the Commonwealth Games, women’s cricketers say they would “love to go to LA” to pursue Olympic glory. Australia defeated India by nine runs in front of a large, boisterous crowd at Edgbaston on Sunday’s final.
After a stunningly successful debut at the Commonwealth Games, women’s cricketers say they would “love to go to LA” to pursue Olympic glory. Australia’s victory over India by nine runs in front of a large, boisterous crowd at Edgbaston on Sunday confirmed their reputation as the top team in the world. New Zealand won the bronze medal after defeating the host nation England by eight wickets.
Women’s cricket was added to the Commonwealth Games schedule for the first time in Birmingham, with no corresponding men’s tournament.
It is no secret that cricket officials would like to see Twenty20 cricket — the type played in Birmingham — included to the roster of Olympic sports, possibly as early as the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Geoff Allardice, chief executive officer of the International Cricket Council, described the Commonwealths as a “great 10 days of competition” in front of packed spectators and a “superb advertisement for the women’s game.”
Nat Sciver, captain of England, agreed that the competition in Birmingham had given the women’s game a tremendous boost.
“These Commonwealth Games have been a fantastic experience, and I believe the crowds have demonstrated how much people enjoy coming to watch whichever team is competing,” she said.
“Having that new audience from the Commonwealth Games, where everyone is willing to watch any sport, is very unique and can only benefit women’s cricket.
I’d love to see cricket in the Olympics.
Ash Gardner, who took three wickets in Sunday’s final, would likewise welcome the opportunity to compete on the most prestigious sporting stage.
“Being part in a few world cups myself and now the Commonwealth Games, it was something that us cricketers probably never dreamed we’d be involved in, but we’re ecstatic to have won gold,” she said.
Large crowds
Gardner was impressed by the tournament’s impact in Birmingham.
“Look at how many people came out to watch every single game, even when England wasn’t participating,” she stated.
“It’s incredible to see how much love there is for women’s cricket, and the nicest thing about this event is that it’s expanding the game globally, which is what we as players want.”
Sophie Devine, captain of New Zealand, stated that the women’s cricket team had “put on a hell of a show.”
“Having participated in a number of international competitions, this was something truly unique and extraordinary,” she remarked.
We have a foot in the door, and there are a couple more Commonwealth Games and the Olympics as well.
A week after England’s women footballers won the European Championship in front of a massive crowd at Wembley Stadium, she remarked that women’s sports were riding the crest of a wave.
She stated, “It’s been built on decades of female players working full-time jobs and putting in the hard work.”
