In a move to promote grassroots talent, Female Cricket, which is the world’s first platform for women’s cricket, has taken a giant leap forward by launching the ground-breaking “Female Cricket Fund” on International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026.
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary on February 6th 2026, this initiative is for aspiring Indian women and girls aged 10 to 20, providing much-needed support to pursue their dreams in cricket. Launched by Founder and CEO Mr. Vishal Yadav in February 2016, Female Cricket is now a one-stop destination for all women cricketers across the world, providing timely and relevant news and updates from the world of women’s cricket.
This fund comes at a very crucial point in Indian women’s cricket. The exponential growth of the Women in Blue in the last 5-6 years, owing to the blockbuster success of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), has shattered all negative perceptions of women’s cricket in India. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team, led by head coach Amol Muzumdar, won India’s maiden title at the senior level in the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup held in India from September 30 to November 2, 2025. The golden year for women’s cricket, which began with Niki Prasad’s Under-19 Indian women’s cricket team defending their inaugural title in Malaysia, ended with skipper Deepika TC’s Blind women’s cricket team winning the Inaugural Blind Women’s T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka. However, women’s cricket pioneers like Diana Edulji, Anjum Chopra, Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami and many more paved the way for women’s cricket in India despite all odds against women in cricket in the past.
“We come across so many aspiring female cricketers who reach out to us and share the lack of support they receive from their systems and society, which often forces them to step away from the game. Over the last 10 years of working in women’s cricket, this has been one of the most common challenges I have seen talented girls face. The Female Cricket Fund has been launched to help address this gap and support these aspiring players with the funds and resources they need to continue their cricketing journey.” Vishal Yadav, Founder & CEO, Female Cricket, sheds light on the persistent challenges and the purpose that inspired the initiative.
Perfectly aligned with Female Cricket’s mission to inspire Indian girls to pick up a bat and a ball and pursue cricket professionally, the fund aims to support promising players with scholarships, bridge access to training, equipment, and coaching, and build stronger support systems. By ensuring no promising journey ends due to a lack of backing, it could transform lives, because the right support at the right time changes everything for a girl dreaming big.
What is the Female Cricket Fund?
This one-time support initiative delivers personalised financial assistance, equipment, coaching connections, and mentorship based on each girl’s needs.
What Will Selected Girls Receive?
Support is tailored, depending on the cricketer’s requirements:
Financial Assistance: Covers essentials to keep playing; share your requirements, and the organisation strives to deliver.
Equipment Support: Links to brands sponsoring female cricketers across India.
Coaching Connections: Connects with experienced coaches suited to their style.
Mentorship Sessions: Online access to seasoned women’s cricket voices for growth.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Age: 10-20 years old.
Nationality: Indian citizens only (pan-India welcome).
Currently Playing: At the school, club, district, or state level.
Passion & Commitment: Serious about the game; paused players can apply if explaining the pause and commitment to return.
The Selection Process
Selections prioritise talent and passion:
Apply: Submit the form by March 31, 2026 (parents/guardians can apply for daughters; registration is live since March 8).
Review: Team assesses entries; requirements evaluated via candidate interactions.
Shortlisting: Personal contact for discussions with parents/coaches, plus cricket videos/records if needed.
Announcement: 10 girls (one per year of Female Cricket’s journey) will be revealed by June 30, 2026, on the website and social media.
Activation: Assistance begins by July 31, 2026, with annual fund rollouts.
Stay tuned for further updates. This initiative promises to keep India’s cricketing dreams alive for the next generation.
