What year was the inaugural women's ODI World Cup held? The response is 1973. A year which now has historical value not just in women's cricket but in the sporting world as a whole. Well before women's cricket enjoyed international broadcasts, top stadia, and government funding, a small group of passionate cricketers and fans united to stage what would prove to be a landmark moment in sporting history.The 1973 Women's Cricket World Cup, held in England, was two years ahead of the men's ODI World Cup's inaugural edition. A cricket tournament more than anything else, it was a proclamation—women would and could play at the international level, even without the support of institutional structures. Let's see what transpired in this path-breaking event and why it was such a giant leap in cricketing history. The Pioneering Year: 1973 Image Source : ESPN So, in which year was the inaugural women's ODI World Cup held? Well, it was actually 1973—a period when women's cricket was anything but commercially successful or popularly acknowledged. This pioneering tournament became a reality because of the sheer dedication of England's current captain at the time, Rachael Heyhoe Flint, and businessman Sir Jack Hayward, who financially supported the competition with a personal investment of £40,000. Lacking the backing of any of the major governing bodies such as the ICC, it was the International Women's Cricket Council (IWCC) who organized the tournament. It was staged from June 20 to July 28 in England and used a round-robin system where each team faced everyone else. There were no semifinals or knockout stages—whomever led the points table at the conclusion of all games would be the champion. It was a tournament of ambition, desire, and sheer determination to be heard in the cricketing world. Also Read | Most Runs in Women's Cricket: Top Scorers Across Formats Who Participated in the 1973 Women's World Cup? Image Source : Getty Images In order to get the context in "In what year was the first-ever women's ODI World Cup played?", we need to consider the countries that participated and how the format changed. Seven nations participated in the tournament: England, Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Young England (a second-string English team), and an International XI composed of players representing other countries. The organisation was simple and efficient—each side played the other side once, with 60 overs a side, setting the model for early ODI cricket. Despite the absence of facilities in the conditions, the standard of cricket was first-rate.With the matches being played in whites on red balls, without live television coverage or sponsorships, the event was solely motivated by the passion for competition and representation. Every match was one step closer to recognizing women's right to play cricket at the elite level. England's Historic Win and Turning Point Image Source : ICC England triumphed in the first tournament in the command of the mercurial Rachael Heyhoe Flint. The most pivotal encounter of the tournament was against Australia at Edgbaston, and so it virtually doubled as the final. England took batting first and compiled a daunting 279/3 from their 60 overs. Enid Bakewell scored a masterful 118 runs, and Flint herself added 64 runs. Australia came up short in their pursuit, reaching 187/9, and England won by a record-breaking 92 runs. It was a victory not only for the team but for everyone who has been an advocate for women's sport. The occasion was made all the more special when Princess Anne handed over the trophy to the winners, accompanied by a personal invitation to 10 Downing Street from Prime Minister Edward Heath—a great honor at a time when women sportspersons were not often accorded this sort of recognition. Then and Now Aspect 1973 World Cup Modern Women’s World Cup Overs per innings 60 50 Number of teams 7 8–10 (and expanding with ICC development programs) Live broadcast None Broadcast globally with live streaming and full replays Prize money Minimal or non-existent Multi-million dollar pools and endorsements Governing body Independently managed by the IWCC Fully organized by the International Cricket Council Global reach Limited to a few participating nations Viewed by millions worldwide across continents To really get a sense of the 1973 event's importance, it is useful to contrast it with the current Women's ODI World Cup format. The increase in all areas—from professionalism to fan interest—has been vast. The following table contrasts some of the highlights of the 1973 event with those of the modern day. Image Source : Getty Images This transformation shows how much the sport has progressed. From a competition contested in virtual obscurity, women's ODIs are now featured on the biggest international sporting calendars. While the 1973 matches had some onlookers on the ground observing them, today's events fill stadiums and become trending on social media. While the first tournament was driven by solo will and boldness, today's World Cups are symptomatic of collaborative effort, global eyes, and finance. The Stars Who Made History In referring to "In which year was the inaugural women's ODI World Cup played?", it is essential to mention those individuals who stood out. Enid Bakewell was the highest performer of the tournament with 264 runs and 10 wickets, a feat which proved her outstanding all-round talent. She played a vital role in England's extensive dominance and proved herself to be one of the greatest cricketers of her era. Young England's Rosalind Heggs was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 12 victims.Sharon Tredrea of Australia amazed all with her express pace, establishing a benchmark for fast bowlers in women's cricket. All the more remarkable in light of the limited coaching, resources, and support available to these players at that time. Lasting Legacy of 1973 Image Source : Getty Images When was the inaugural women's ODI World Cup? That is a question that inspires more than mere curiosity over the past—it inspires a tale of determination and transformation. The 1973 event did not only crown a winner; it provided the catalyst for all that followed. Countries such as India, South Africa, and the Caribbean islands were inspired and started developing their women's cricket setups. Ultimately, these developments were followed by more inclusive cricketing policy and mainstream acceptance of women's cricket. The legacy of the 1973 World Cup continues to be felt even today. Young girls everywhere now grow up idolizing cricketing heroes who play in full-stadium capacity, appear in endorsements, and even become celebrities. But this could not have happened without the grit and poise displayed by those who took part in that very first-ever Women's ODI World Cup back in 1973. Also Read | Top 10 Fastest Century in Women’s T20I Cricket | Checkout Who Tops the List? Conclusion So, when did the very first women's ODI World Cup take place? It was 1973, but that year is much more important than the mere figure might suggest. It is the beginning of professional women's cricket in the world—a competition created in defiance, played out of passion, and borne on the shoulders of women who refused to be pushed aside. The 1973 Women's World Cup wasn't about winning games—about winning at all—it was about taking a stand. It opened the door for generations of women cricketers to emerge today and walk out into world-class stadiums with screaming fans and lights, cameras, action. And it reminds us that any revolution starts with one bold step.