London Spirit Women assistant coach Malolan Rangarajan believes an England victory in the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup could dramatically boost interest in the Women’s Hundred and inspire a new generation of girls to engage with cricket.
Speaking after the inaugural Hundred auction in London, Rangarajan reflected on the impact major international success can have on women’s sport. Having recently coached Royal Challengers Bangalore to a Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, he witnessed the surge in popularity of women’s cricket in India following the country’s triumph in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.
“That World Cup win changed the landscape of women’s cricket in India,” Rangarajan said. “It gave parents confidence to tell their daughters that pursuing cricket as a career is okay. It brought visibility and belief across the country.”
Rangarajan expects a similar effect in England if the hosts lift the T20 World Cup on home soil shortly before the next season of the Hundred begins.
“If England go on to win the World Cup here, it will have a huge change,” he said. “You’ll have a lot more girls and parents saying, ‘Come watch the game!’ It creates excitement and brings families to the stadium.”
The women’s game has already been growing rapidly in England, with the Hundred auction highlighting the rising value of top players. Australia’s Beth Mooney and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine were the joint top earners at £210,000, while England’s Dani Gibson secured £190,000.
London Spirit added South Africa allrounder Nadine de Klerk for £170,000, reuniting her with Rangarajan after her successful stint with RCB in the WPL. De Klerk impressed during the past year with strong all-round performances for both club and country.
Spirit also strengthened their squad by signing West Indies star Deandra Dottin for £37,000 and adding further bowling options alongside Marizanne Kapp, Grace Harris and England vice-captain Charlie Dean.
Rangarajan believes such talent, combined with increased global attention, could make the upcoming Hundred season a landmark moment for women’s cricket in England.