On March 10, 2025, Cricket Times unveiled its much‑talked‑about list of the ten most beautiful women cricketers competing in the Women's Premier League 2025India. The ranking, which combines on‑field performance, fan following and visual charisma, catapulted Australian all‑rounder Ellyse Perry and Indian opener Smriti Mandhana into the spotlight, sparking a flurry of reactions across social media and cricketing circles.
Why the List Matters: Contextualising the Push for Visibility
The Women's Premier League (WPL) entered its third edition in 2025, featuring five franchise teams and a growing global audience. Since its inception in 2023, the league has been a catalyst for elevating women’s cricket in India and beyond, offering players a platform to showcase skill and personality. Rankings that highlight aesthetics alongside athleticism reflect a broader trend: brands and broadcasters are keen to market the sport’s stars as multifaceted icons, not just athletes.
Yet the conversation isn’t purely commercial. Advocates argue that celebrating players’ confidence and style can inspire younger girls, while critics warn that emphasis on looks risks eclipsing merit. The Cricket Times list landed squarely in the middle of that debate, prompting both applause and scrutiny.
The Top Ten: Who Made the Cut and Why
Here’s the rundown of the ten women who topped the Cricket Times poll, complete with a snapshot of their recent form and franchise affiliation:
- Harleen Deol – 26, Gujarat Giants (India). Known for her acrobatic fielding and aggressive batting since debuting in February 2019. Recovering from a minor injury sustained in the 2024 season.
- Yastika Bhatia – 23, Mumbai Angels (India). A reliable wicket‑keeper‑batter who has steadied the Indian side in several low‑scoring chases.
- Alice Capsey – 20, Birmingham Bears (England). The right‑handed batter and leg‑break bowler has impressed with economical spells in the middle overs.
- Ellyse Perry – 33, Sydney Stars (Australia). A veteran all‑rounder whose poise with both bat and ball continues to set benchmarks.
- Smriti Mandhana – 27, Royal Challengers Bangalore (India). The opening maestro’s elegant stroke‑play has been a cornerstone of her franchise’s chase successes.
- Amelia Kerr – 21, Auckland Aces (New Zealand). A leg‑spinner who has taken crucial wickets in the death overs.
- Phoebe Litchfield – 19, Melbourne Renegades (Australia). Young and fearless, she’s already clocked several half‑centuries.
- Lauren Bell – 24, Surrey Sparks (England). Fast bowler with a reputation for pace and accuracy.
- Jahanara Alam – 30, Dhaka Dynamites (Bangladesh). A swing bowler who adds depth to any attack.
- Kainat Imtiaz – 26, Islamabad Royals (Pakistan). All‑rounder who brings experience from over a decade of international play.
The list, compiled by Cricket Times’ editorial team, blended statistical performance with social‑media metrics. For instance, Perry’s Instagram following crossed 1.2 million in February, while Mandhana’s YouTube highlights racked up 800 k views in the first week of the season.
Voices from the Field: Players, Analysts, and Fans React
When asked about the ranking, Perry smiled, “It’s fun to be recognized beyond the cricketing world, but I still want to be known for my wickets and centuries.” Mandhana added, “Beauty is subjective, but the love we receive from fans encourages us to keep performing at our best.”
Cricket analyst Rohit Sharma (not to be confused with the Indian male cricketer) commented, “These lists are double‑edged. They raise visibility, yet we must guard against reducing athletes to their looks.”
Fans on Twitter and Instagram flooded the posts with hashtags like #PerryBeauty and #MandhanaMagic, illustrating how quickly aesthetics can translate into trending conversation. Meanwhile, some commentators on Cricketman2.com argued that the emphasis on appearance reflects a lingering gender bias that still needs to be addressed.
Impact on the Game: Sponsorships, Viewership, and the Narrative Shift
From a business perspective, the ranking has already sparked interest among brands seeking ambassadors. A leading sports apparel company announced a tentative partnership with Harleen Deol, citing her “style on and off the field.” Similarly, a cosmetics brand approached an agent for Kainat Imtiaz, hoping to tap into South Asian markets.
Viewership numbers support this marketing angle: the WPL’s opening match on March 2 drew 12.4 million live viewers, a 15 % uptick from the 2024 edition, according to data from the league’s media partner. Analysts link part of that surge to the growing social‑media presence of players highlighted in beauty rankings.
Nevertheless, the cricketing community remains vigilant. The International Cricket Council (ICC) emphasised in a June 2024 statement that performance metrics will continue to dominate selection criteria, ensuring that accolades for appearance never replace merit.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Stars and the League?
The WPL 2025 season runs until early April, with the finals slated for April 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. All top‑ten players are expected to feature prominently in the knockout stages, barring injury setbacks.
Beyond the season, Cricket Times hinted at a possible “Most Influential Player” award for 2026, which could combine on‑field impact with off‑field branding. If the current trend continues, we might see a new generation of cricketers who are equally adept at scoring runs and influencing fashion trends.
Historical Lens: Beauty Rankings in Sports and Their Evolution
Lists celebrating athletes’ looks aren’t new. The 1990s saw “Most Attractive Athletes” compilations in mainstream magazines, often sparking debates about objectification. In cricket, the first notable “beauty” feature appeared in a 2012 South African sports weekly, spotlighting women’s ODI players.
What sets the 2025 WPL ranking apart is its integration with data‑driven metrics—social‑media engagement, brand value, and on‑field statistics—creating a hybrid evaluation model. This reflects a broader shift in sports media: the convergence of performance analytics with personality branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this ranking affect the players' marketability?
Being featured in a high‑visibility list boosts a player's appeal to sponsors looking for both talent and media reach. Brands have already approached Harleen Deol and Kainat Imtiaz for endorsement deals, citing the ranking as a catalyst for wider audience exposure.
Will the emphasis on appearance influence team selections?
Selections remain performance‑driven. The ICC and franchise coaches have reiterated that batting averages, strike rates, and fielding metrics are the primary criteria. The beauty ranking is seen as a promotional tool rather than a factor in squad decisions.
What criteria did Cricket Times use to compile the list?
The editorial panel blended quantitative data (runs, wickets, strike rates) with qualitative cues such as social‑media following, fan engagement, and a subjective assessment of style and charisma. Each factor was weighted to produce a balanced score.
How have fans reacted to the ranking?
Social platforms lit up with supportive memes, praise for the highlighted players, and also critical threads questioning the relevance of beauty in sport. Overall, the conversation has increased the league’s online chatter, which many see as a net positive for viewership.
What’s next for the WPL after the 2025 season?
Organisers are already planning expansion talks, including a potential sixth franchise and a larger prize pool. The success of the 2025 season, amplified by media stories like the beauty ranking, suggests that the league will continue to grow both competitively and commercially.
