A history-making year for the women’s game in Australia, which culminated in a record-breaking ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final, and continued growth in playing opportunities for girls headline the third edition of the Australian Cricket Press for Progress Report, released today.
The Press for Progress Report documents Australian Cricket’s progress towards its aspiration to become Australia’s leading sport for women and girls. With the commitment to be openly accountable for this progress, key highlights from the 2019-20 report include:
- Australian Women’s Cricket Team winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in front of 86,174 fans at the MCG on International Women’s Day;
- Representation of women on Australian Cricket Boards reaching 32%. This is the first time the crucial 30% barrier has been reached;
- More than 1,600 all-girls cricket teams now created in the past three years, with women and girls representing 32% of cricket participation for the first time; and
- The first standalone season of the rebel Women’s Big Bash League hitting its objectives as it carves its own window in the Australian sporting calendar.
Cricket Australia Interim CEO Nick Hockley said all those involved in cricket should take a moment to remember what they were part of achieving this past year, while knowing there was still much work to be done.
This past season was undoubtedly the greatest year for the women’s elite game in Australia, and that is down to the sustained efforts of so many people over many years. The ICC Women’s World Cup Final will forever be an iconic moment in our game’s history, and we are committed to carrying that momentum into the season ahead,” Hockley said.
“As we move into the fourth year of the Australian Cricket Strategy, this is no time to become complacent. As we continue on the path to being a truly gender equal sport, there is still significant ground to be covered to reach the bold targets we have set ourselves as leaders in this space.
“We’re fortunate within Australian Cricket to have such strong partnerships that share our vision and commitment, in particular we can see the impact that Commonwealth Bank has made across 20+ years as a partner of the women’s game and their support of the Sport for All Program.
“We also know the impact of the pandemic will provide challenges like no other this season. However, our commitment to becoming the leading sport for women and girls is undiminished and we are particularly excited about the upcoming launch of our new female participation strategy and the international series against New Zealand.”
Male Champions of Change founder Elizabeth Broderick AO has welcomed Australian Cricket’s latest report, reiterating the importance of setting standards and being openly accountable for progress on gender equality.
“We have an extraordinary moment right now to ensure the future of sport is truly gender equal. This latest report from Australian Cricket demonstrates genuine progress and a commitment to robust systems and strategies to achieve this for women and girls across the country,” Broderick said.
“I thank all CEOs of Australian Cricket for their leadership, methodical focus, and for sharing their approach and results widely to help accelerate change across the entire sports sector.”
