- It is a message of women cricket team winning world cup-2025
- A New Era for Indian Women’s Cricket
- More Than ‘A Gentleman’s Game’
The notion of cricket being merely a “gentleman’s game” must now be completely retired. Following the spectacular victory of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on November 2nd, 2025, a more fitting descriptor is needed. The monumental win has instilled immense confidence, resonating with an estimated 70.9 crore women across India, clearly indicating that women will set even greater records if afforded fair and equal opportunities.
The question is not if we need to rename it “gentlewoman’s cricket,” but rather how we can elevate the sport to reflect the champions it produces, regardless of gender.
Overcoming Decades of Disparity
The journey has been fraught with challenges. Indian women’s cricket officially began in 1973 with the formation of the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCA), with the team playing its first Test match in 1976. For decades, the WCA and its players faced significant hurdles, epitomizing an era where “male chauvinism” dominated the landscape. Players often had to arrange their own travel and lodging, a stark contrast to their male counterparts.
Santha Rangaswamy, India’s first woman Test centurion, recalls the grit required: “From travelling in unreserved coaches to sleeping dormitories on the floor, we had even to carry our cricket kits on our backs. Those early years were marked by resilience and self-belief.” The story of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who led the team to the 2025 World Cup title against South Africa, stands as a powerful testament to the difficulties women cricketers have overcome in India. The news of the team being awarded ₹51 crore as prize money after their World Cup win signals a definitive shift toward recognition and respect.
The Rise of Professionalism: The WPL and Future Scope
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took a decisive step by launching the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a professional T-20 league, in 2022. Currently, the league features five foundation teams: Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and UP Warriors. Mumbai Indians won the inaugural WPL title in 2023. Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed the second season. Mumbai Indians reclaimed the title in the third season, defeating the Delhi Capitals. Despite this progress, the time is right for the BCCI to accelerate its investment. It is crucial for the BCCI to now provide more facilities to the women cricketers on par with the male cricketers. Furthermore, to deepen the talent pool and increase opportunities, the WPL franchise teams should be enhanced from five to at least ten.
The Road Ahead: Taking Cricket to the Grassroots
While cricket originated in 16th-century rural southeast England as a folk game before being adopted by the upper classes and eventually becoming famous in 23 nations, its future growth in India lies in the grassroots.
Promoting women in cricket is not just about sports development; it is an act of nation-building. To truly capitalize on the confidence generated by the World Cup victory, women’s cricket must be taken to the rural areas by providing essential infrastructure, coaching, and facilities to young aspiring players. This victory is a mandate for equality and investment.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
