India’s women cricketers witness major rise in brand value after World Cup triumph
Kolkata – India’s women’s cricket team has witnessed a significant surge in popularity and brand value following their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup victory.
The team’s success on home soil has created new opportunities for endorsements, sponsorships, and wider recognition across sports and entertainment platforms.
After a challenging start to the tournament, India made a strong comeback, defeating seven-time champions Australia in the semi-final and securing a historic win over South Africa in the final.
The victory has been described as a defining moment for women’s cricket in India, drawing attention from fans, brands, and media alike.
The triumph at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium sparked celebrations nationwide, and within hours, several players began receiving endorsement offers.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur quickly became the face of new brand campaigns, reflecting the growing commercial interest in India’s women athletes.
Batter Harleen Deol’s lighthearted interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a post-victory event also caught the attention of brands.
Soon after, a popular skincare company featured her in a new campaign that highlighted her confidence and charm.
Jemimah Rodrigues, one of India’s standout players, became a viral sensation even before the final when a detergent brand turned her mud-stained jersey photo into an advertisement.
Her vibrant energy and growing social media presence continue to make her a favorite among companies looking to connect with younger audiences.
Sports marketing experts have called this achievement a major milestone for women’s sports in India.
They note that players like Smriti Mandhana, Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh have become household names, representing a new era for women in professional cricket.
Tuhin Mishra, Managing Director of Baseline Ventures, which represents several team members, said endorsement offers are pouring in across different categories.
He estimated a 20–25% rise in brand value for most players, with even higher growth for Smriti Mandhana due to her exceptional global popularity.
Mandhana, known for her strong on-field performances and engaging public image, has over 14 million social media followers.
Her influence extends beyond cricket, making her one of the most sought-after athletes in India’s sports marketing landscape.
According to industry executives, players are now being approached by brands beyond the traditional fast-moving consumer goods sector.
New partnerships include companies from industries such as automobiles, telecommunications, finance, and technology, indicating a broader shift in sponsorship trends.
Karan Yadav, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW Sports, confirmed that endorsement values have multiplied since the World Cup.
He said long-term partnerships have been finalized with several players, reflecting brands’ growing confidence in women’s cricket.
Yadav highlighted that India’s semi-final victory against Australia was a turning point that boosted visibility and engagement for women’s cricket nationwide.
He added that the final win further strengthened the players’ market value, doubling commercial deals for many team members.
Industry analysts believe the women’s team’s success could have a lasting impact on the country’s sports ecosystem.
More young girls may now view cricket as a viable professional path, supported by rising brand partnerships and institutional investment.
Sports agencies suggest that long-term brand collaborations with players could yield stronger mutual benefits.
By investing early in young talents such as Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues, brands can grow alongside athletes who are expected to remain at the top for many years.
As women’s cricket continues to gain momentum, the Indian team’s World Cup success is being hailed as both a sporting and cultural milestone.
It has redefined the market dynamics for female athletes and opened the door for greater equality in sports sponsorship and representation.
