The global rise of women’s cricket over the past decade has been one of the sport’s most exciting transformations. Once confined largely to limited audiences and patchy coverage, women’s cricket is now a staple in international calendars, boasts thriving domestic leagues, and enjoys unprecedented visibility thanks to tournaments like the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), and The Hundred. With this growth has come a new generation of players — fearless, innovative, and eager to make their mark, the true rising stars in women’s cricket.

These rising stars bring more than just fresh talent. They bring energy, innovative techniques, and a willingness to challenge established norms. Some arrive with aggressive batting styles designed for T20 cricket, while others bring sharp spin variations or precise seam bowling, often refined under the guidance of a skilled cricket coach who understands the modern game.

But what truly defines a “rising star”? It’s not just about youth or raw skill. It’s about early signs of consistency, impactful performances in domestic or international cricket, and the potential to develop into long-term match-winners for their teams. In this article, we’ll explore what makes a player earn this label, spotlight the young women cricketers already turning heads in 2025, and examine why their success is vital to the continued growth of women’s cricket.

What Makes a Cricketer a ‘Rising Star’

Spotting a rising star isn’t always straightforward. Some talents emerge overnight, blasting their way to a debut century or ripping through an opposition line-up with the ball. Others develop gradually, steadily proving their worth across formats before breaking into international squads.

Several factors help identify these future stars:

1. Domestic Performance: Strong numbers in domestic leagues or youth tournaments are often the first indicator. A player who consistently scores runs or takes wickets against peers usually earns a call-up to the national side.

2. Age and Potential: While not all rising stars are teenagers, most are in their early twenties when they begin making headlines. Their youth suggests they have years ahead to refine their skills and contribute at the highest level.

3. Impact on Debut: How a player performs in their first few games often shapes perception. Delivering under pressure early signals mental resilience, a crucial trait for long careers.

4. Multi-Format Ability: In today’s cricket, versatility matters. Being effective in T20s while also holding their own in ODIs or Tests adds to a player’s value.

5. Exposure through Leagues: The growth of franchise leagues like the WPL or WBBL has become vital. Young cricketers now get opportunities to share dressing rooms with legends, face international-quality opponents, and learn in high-pressure environments.

In addition, under-19 competitions and academy pathways — particularly the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup and domestic Rising Stars programmes — have become crucial breeding grounds. They give selectors a chance to test talent under tournament conditions and prepare players for the spotlight of international cricket.

Prominent Young Players to Watch (2025)

As of 2025, several names stand out across different countries as the faces of the future. Each brings unique qualities to her side, whether through runs, wickets, or all-round skills.

Pratika Rawal (India)

One of the most exciting batting prospects in Indian women’s cricket, Pratika Rawal has already announced herself with multiple half-centuries and even a maiden ODI century. What sets her apart is not just her technique but her willingness to test herself — moving between domestic sides, taking on tougher challenges, and sharpening her game by learning the art of reading cricket pitches. In an Indian system brimming with batting depth, Rawal’s hunger to stand out bodes well for her long-term career.

Rabeya Khan (Bangladesh)

Spin has long been Bangladesh’s strength, and Rabeya Khan is carrying that tradition forward. A young leg-spinner with an improving ODI record, she has already impressed in qualifiers and age-level tournaments. Her variations, combined with a calm temperament, make her one to watch as Bangladesh seeks to climb further up the international rankings.

Annerie Dercksen (South Africa)

South Africa has consistently produced versatile all-rounders, and Annerie Dercksen fits the mould perfectly. Capable of contributing lower down the order with handy runs while also taking key wickets, she is rapidly gaining recognition. With South Africa’s need to balance power hitters and technical players, Dercksen’s flexibility could make her invaluable in both ODIs and T20Is.

Phoebe Litchfield (Australia)

Australia’s production line of batting talent shows no sign of slowing. Phoebe Litchfield has already had a taste of international cricket, and her elegance combined with the ability to accelerate makes her one of the brightest young stars. Particularly impressive in T20s, she is now building a solid reputation in ODIs as well. Litchfield’s development is watched closely, as she may well be the next big name in an already dominant Australian batting line-up.

Shreyanka Patil (India)

Shreyanka Patil has been making waves with her bowling, especially in shorter formats. Her performance in domestic T20s and the Women’s Premier League showcased her knack for breakthroughs. Patil brings control and composure under pressure — skills that suggest she will become a mainstay in India’s limited-overs squads sooner rather than later.

Manudi Nanayakkara (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka’s cricket revival depends heavily on nurturing young talent, and Manudi Nanayakkara has emerged as one of the brightest. Already capped in both ODIs and T20Is at a very young age, she has shown promising all-round ability. Balancing batting and bowling responsibilities, Nanayakkara represents hope for Sri Lanka’s push towards greater competitiveness.

Emma McLeod (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s youth system has delivered Emma McLeod, a talented batter who captained her country at the U-19 level before stepping into the senior side. With a calm presence at the crease and the ability to play long innings, she is poised to become a reliable run-scorer for the White Ferns. Her leadership qualities add to her rising profile.

Why Their Rise Matters for Women’s Cricket

The emergence of these rising stars matters not just for their individual countries but for the global game.

1. Stronger Competitions: As more nations field competitive squads, international cricket becomes more unpredictable and engaging. Balanced contests increase fan interest and push established powers like Australia, England, and India.

2. Expanding Fan Bases: Rising stars bring fresh personalities, stories, and fan followings. Whether it’s a young spinner from Bangladesh or a teenage batter from New Zealand, these players broaden the appeal of women’s cricket across new regions.

3. Role Models for the Next Generation: Representation matters. A 12-year-old girl in Colombo or Dhaka can now dream of playing international cricket after watching someone like Nanayakkara or Rabeya Khan succeed.

4. Commercial Growth: Sponsors and broadcasters thrive on narratives of fresh faces challenging veterans. The success of these players directly fuels the business side of the sport.

Challenges These Talents Face

While talent opens doors, the path is far from smooth. Rising stars often face:

• Intense Pressure: Being labelled “the future” creates expectations that can overwhelm teenagers or young adults.

• Balancing Commitments: With domestic leagues, international fixtures, and franchise tournaments, managing workload becomes a serious challenge.

• Injuries and Burnout: Overplaying at a young age can lead to physical strain.

• Adapting to Conditions: Succeeding at home is one thing; proving oneself overseas in unfamiliar conditions is another test entirely.

How Major Leagues & Tournaments Accelerate Growth

Modern women’s cricket has been transformed by professional leagues.

• WPL (Women’s Premier League): Provides young Indians and overseas players the chance to play alongside and against the very best.

• WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League): Long established as a global stage, it has been instrumental in producing Australian stars and giving exposure to international players.

• The Hundred (England): Offers unique conditions and fan engagement, giving young players experience in pressure situations.

• Under-19 World Cup & Rising Stars Programmes: These competitions act as springboards, putting youngsters in global spotlights earlier than ever before.

Exposure to diverse conditions, media scrutiny, and high-intensity matches ensures that by the time these players debut internationally, they are seasoned beyond their years.

What to Look For Over the Next Year

Fans and selectors alike will be watching for:

• Consistency: Can these players replicate success across multiple matches and formats?

• Adaptability: Will they adjust to the demands of Test cricket, ODIs, and T20s equally well?

• Leadership Under Pressure: Rising stars often find themselves in crunch moments — how they react defines their long-term reputation.

Rising Stars in Women’s Cricket: Comparison Table

Rising Stars in Women’s Cricket: The Future is Bright

The rising stars of 2025 — from Pratika Rawal and Shreyanka Patil in India to Phoebe Litchfield in Australia and Emma McLeod in New Zealand — embody the future of women’s cricket. They bring skill, flair, and promise at a time when the sport is reaching unprecedented heights.

Their significance goes beyond individual achievements. They are shaping the next era, drawing in new fans, and proving that women’s cricket is rich with depth and global talent. The future is not only bright; it is already here.