The long wait is over—the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is officially here. For Indian fans, the tournament is not only a chance to compete for global cricketing glory, but also a cultural milestone. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the “God of Cricket,” has declared that this edition could be the turning point for women’s cricket in India, much like the men’s 1983 triumph forever changed Indian cricket’s destiny.
Speaking through his official column for the ICC, Tendulkar described the upcoming event as a seminal moment—an opportunity not limited to runs, wickets, or silverware, but one that has the power to inspire dreams and redefine possibilities for generations of Indian girls who aspire to play cricket.
A Powerful Parallel with 1983
Tendulkar’s reflection reaches back to a defining moment in Indian cricket history: the men’s World Cup victory in 1983. That victory, under the leadership of Kapil Dev, was far more than a sporting achievement—it became a social awakening, showing millions that India could excel on the global stage.
“Winning in 1983 told an entire generation of young Indians that dreams need not be constrained by boundaries,” Tendulkar explained. He also reminded readers of Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe—a knock that went untelevised but remains folklore for its sheer audacity. That innings, Tendulkar noted, continues to live on in cricketing memory, influencing both fans and aspiring players decades later.
The comparison suggests that CWC 2025 could become the same kind of cultural touchstone, but for women’s cricket.
Personal Inspiration: From Ball Boy to Legend
In his essay, Tendulkar also shared a deeply personal anecdote. As a teenager, he served as a ball boy during the 1987 Men’s World Cup hosted in India. Standing close to cricketing giants of that era, he says, lit a spark in him. “Watching heroes up close, I resolved that one day I too would wear that India jersey,” he wrote.
That dream came true—and four decades later, Tendulkar sees today’s young girls in India standing at a similar crossroads. Just as the 1987 moment motivated him, he believes this Women’s World Cup will ignite countless similar resolutions among young players across the country.
Not Just About Trophies: A Chance to Ignite Dreams
According to Tendulkar, this tournament represents far more than a battle for the ICC trophy. It is about igniting ambitions in small towns and cities, where young girls are picking up bats and balls with bigger dreams than ever before.
- In Moga, Punjab, he imagines a teenage girl gripping her bat tighter, inspired by Harmanpreet Kaur, India’s current captain.
- In Sangli, Maharashtra, another girl practices her cover drives, daring to emulate Smriti Mandhana, India’s stylish left-hander.
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Such imagery emphasizes that elite performances on the biggest stage can filter down into grassroots motivation, driving thousands of young girls to believe that cricket is their future too.
Celebrating Harmanpreet and Smriti’s Impact
Tendulkar paid rich tribute to India’s two batting stars, both of whom have already made history.
- Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171 not out vs Australia in the 2017 World Cup remains one of the most iconic innings in women’s cricket. Tendulkar recalled it not just as a brilliant knock but as a declaration of intent—proof that Indian women could dominate the world’s best. “The sheer audacity, clarity, and courage in her batting elevated the game to a new orbit,” he said. Many analysts agree that that single innings pushed Indian women’s cricket into mainstream sporting conversations.
- Smriti Mandhana’s blistering 50-ball century against Australia also drew Tendulkar’s praise. He called it breathtaking and symbolic of modern India’s confidence—a performance that told the world that Indian women were capable of redefining the limits of power-hitting and elegance. He further added that Smriti’s consistency has made her one of the most important pillars of the team today.
By spotlighting these innings, Tendulkar underlined how both players have ensured that women’s cricket is no longer a sideshow, but instead sits at the centre of the Indian sporting narrative.
Historic Record Prize Pool: Symbol of Equality
One of the most significant developments for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup is the announcement of a record prize pool. According to the ICC, the total prize money surpasses even that of the men’s 2023 World Cup, setting a new benchmark in cricket’s history.
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Tendulkar welcomed this decision, noting that it sends both a symbolic and practical message—that women’s cricket deserves not just applause, but equal recognition and financial respect. Analysts have highlighted that this is a key step towards parity and sustainability in the women’s game, as higher prize money helps players and federations invest in infrastructure, fitness, and youth programs.
Greater Responsibilities Beyond the Boundary
Tendulkar was careful to stress that while India will be chasing their maiden Women’s World Cup title, the mission goes beyond the trophy. “They will not just be representing India in a sporting contest. They will be carrying with them the hopes of millions, the possibility of inspiring a generation, and the power to redefine what is achievable,” he wrote.
The implication is clear: just as the men of 1983 gave India a new sporting identity, the women of 2025 have the chance to create a parallel legacy—one that will transform not just cricket but the way women in sport are perceived across India.
The Road Ahead: Opening Clash in Guwahati
The 2025 Women’s World Cup kicks off on Tuesday, September 30, with India facing Sri Lanka in Guwahati. The match promises to set the tone for the tournament, as both sides look to make strong starts. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, enters as one of the favourites, thanks to a squad balanced with experienced performers like Mandhana and rising stars from the domestic circuit.
Cricket analysts believe that beyond on-field results, the visibility of matches, grassroots engagement, and the involvement of role models like Tendulkar will determine how transformative this tournament truly becomes for women’s cricket in India.
A Defining Chapter in Indian Cricket
Tendulkar’s reflections serve as both an inspiration and a reminder. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is more than a competition—it is a chance to carve out a new identity for Indian women’s cricket, just as 1983 did for the men.
If Harmanpreet, Smriti, and their teammates rise to the challenge, their victories will echo far beyond the scoreboard. They could inspire millions of young girls to take up the game and ensure that cricket in India is no longer seen through a gendered lens, but as a shared national passion.
The Information is Collected from ICC-Cricket and and India Today.
