What Is 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup squads

Overview

The 2017 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup was the 11th edition of the tournament and marked a significant moment in the growth of women's cricket. Hosted by England, the event ran from June 24 to July 23, 2017, with matches played across six venues including Lord's, Bristol, and Derby.

The tournament featured eight qualified teams competing in a round-robin group stage followed by a knockout phase. Each nation submitted a final squad of 15 players, adhering to ICC regulations requiring balanced team composition with specialist roles clearly defined.

• Eight teams participated: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies, all confirmed by the ICC by April 2017.
• Each squad had to include at least two wicketkeepers and five specialist bowlers, as per ICC tournament guidelines for balanced team selection.
• England named Heather Knight as captain, with Sarah Taylor returning from retirement to strengthen the wicketkeeping and batting lineup.
• Australia’s squad featured Meg Lanning, who led the team despite injury concerns, and Ellyse Perry, a key all-rounder with over 200 ODI caps.
• India included Mithali Raj as captain and Poonam Raut, who scored 75 against Australia, highlighting the team's reliance on experienced top-order batters.

How It Works

The squad selection process for the 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup followed strict ICC protocols to ensure fairness and competitive balance. National boards submitted preliminary lists, which were then trimmed to final 15-member squads by the May 10, 2017, deadline.

• Captain Selection: Each team appointed a captain before May 1, 2017; for example, Stafanie Taylor led the West Indies, bringing leadership from previous global tournaments.
• Reserve Players: Teams could name up to three reserve players in case of injury, though replacements required ICC approval before July 1.
• Player Eligibility: All players needed to be registered with their national board and have played at least one official ODI in the prior 24 months.
• ICC Approval: Final squads were submitted by May 20 and required ICC clearance to confirm compliance with anti-doping and eligibility rules.
• Injury Replacements: Injured players could be replaced until July 10, 2017, as seen when South Africa replaced Lizelle Lee mid-tournament.
• Role Specialization: Squads were expected to have five frontline bowlers and two wicketkeepers, ensuring strategic depth during match play.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the eight participating teams' squads, highlighting key players, captains, and standout performers from the 2017 tournament.

The table illustrates how team composition influenced performance; England and India reached the final due to balanced squads with strong all-rounders. Australia dominated early with Lanning’s batting, but fell short in knockouts. New Zealand’s consistency earned them a semifinal spot, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka struggled with inexperience. The data confirms that teams with deeper bowling attacks and reliable top-order batters advanced furthest.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup squads represented a turning point in the visibility and professionalism of women's cricket. With increased media coverage and live broadcasts, the tournament showcased the depth of talent across nations and set new standards for future competitions.

• Increased Visibility: Over 100 million viewers watched the final, marking a record for women's cricket and boosting global interest in the sport.
• Professional Contracts: Following the tournament, England and Australia awarded full-time professional contracts to all squad members, improving player retention.
• Youth Development: India and South Africa used the event to promote under-19 academies, aiming to strengthen future national squads.
• Gender Equality: The success pressured the ICC to commit to equal prize money discussions by 2020, advancing equity in cricket.
• Commercial Growth: Broadcast deals with Sky Sports and Star Sports increased revenue by 40% compared to 2013, funding grassroots programs.
• Legacy Impact: The tournament inspired over 50,000 new female registrations in cricket programs across Commonwealth nations by 2018.

The 2017 Women's Cricket World Cup squads not only defined a historic competition but also catalyzed long-term investment and structural changes in women's sports worldwide.