Lanning on WBBL's First Match, 10 Years On: "It Feels Like Yesterday"
Ten years. A decade. It's hard to believe that the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) has reached such a milestone. The competition, which has revolutionized women's cricket in Australia and beyond, kicked off on October 25, 2012, with a clash between the Sydney Sixers and the Melbourne Renegades.
A Groundbreaking Moment
As the captain of the Sixers that day, Meg Lanning remembers the atmosphere vividly. "It was an incredible moment," she reflects. "We had been working towards this for a long time, and to finally see it all come together was amazing. The crowd was incredible, and the energy was electric."
The inaugural match, played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, was a momentous occasion for women's cricket. It marked the start of a new era, one where women's cricket would be played in front of large crowds, televised live, and treated with the same professionalism as the men's game.
A League That Changed The Game
The WBBL quickly established itself as a world-class competition, attracting some of the best female cricketers from around the globe. It has become a breeding ground for future stars, providing a platform for young players to develop their skills and showcase their talent.
Looking back, Lanning emphasizes the impact of the WBBL on the development of women's cricket: "The league has had a massive impact on the game. It has given women's cricket a much higher profile, and it has inspired a new generation of girls to pick up a bat and ball. It's truly amazing to see how far it has come."
Looking to the Future
The WBBL has gone from strength to strength, continuing to attract large crowds and millions of viewers around the world. As the league enters its 11th season, the future looks bright. With the continued support of Cricket Australia and the growing popularity of women's cricket, the WBBL is poised to continue its success and inspire many more generations to come.
For Lanning, the journey has been one of pride and growth: "It's been an incredible ten years. The WBBL has become a huge part of my life, and I am so proud to have been a part of it from the very beginning. I can't wait to see what the next ten years hold."
As the WBBL celebrates its decade, it's a reminder of the power of sport to break down barriers and inspire change. The league has proven that women's cricket deserves its place on the global stage, and its impact on the game will be felt for years to come.