India on the Brink: A Historic Turning Point Before the Women’s World Cup

On the enchanting evening of June 25, 1983, India’s brave team defied the odds to clinch the World Cup at Lord’s. I was just 10 years old, yet the vivid memories of players joyously sprinting with stumps and bails, including Mohinder Amarnath, the Player of the Match in both the semifinal and final, and the team proudly holding the trophy, are permanently etched in my mind.

That moment was more than just a cricket victory for me—it was an awakening, teaching a generation of young Indians that dreams have limitless potential.

The legendary stories from that campaign, such as Kapil Dev’s iconic 175 against Zimbabwe—a match not televised yet engraved in history—live on as folklore, representing more than just runs, but belief. They inspired countless youngsters in Mumbai’s streets and Punjab’s villages to believe in boundless aspirations, influencing my own direction.

By 1987, I was a ball boy at Wankhede Stadium, witnessing India’s semifinal loss to England. At that moment, inspired by observing heroes up close, I vowed to one day wear the India jersey myself.

Today, almost four decades later, Indian women’s cricket stands poised for its breakthrough moment. The upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025 represents more than a quest for a trophy—it’s about igniting dreams.

In Moga, a young girl may grip her bat tighter, inspired by her idol Harmanpreet Kaur. In Sangli, another may practice her drives, dreaming like Smriti Mandhana.

I still recall Harmanpreet’s astounding 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup. It wasn’t just an innings, but a declaration. Her bold strokeplay, mental clarity, and courageous heart catapulted women’s cricket in India to the center stage.

Smriti Mandhana, too, has become a pivotal and seasoned member of the team. Her elegant batting and natural rhythm captivate, reminiscent of cricket’s finest. Her record-breaking 50-ball century against Australia was a stunning testament to Indian women’s dominance at the highest level. She’s not just a top-tier batter, but an emblem of modern India’s self-assurance.

Yet, this World Cup is more than individuals or a team—it’s a movement, a transformative change in how we perceive the sport. Women’s cricket, long in the shadows despite fostering immense talent, now has the chance to break past barriers of gender, perception, and accessibility.

The young girl with a plastic bat in a small town must feel unlimited potential, just as I did seeing India triumph in 1983.

Significant strides have been made recently. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) has revolutionized the game, offering a platform, visibility, and financial security that past generations of women cricketers could only envision.

Credit is due to Jay Shah, whose leadership as BCCI secretary pushed for equal match fees and initiated the WPL. These actions, seemingly administrative, profoundly impact lives by demonstrating that women’s passion for cricket is equally valued.

The ICC’s announcement of record prize money for this tournament, even exceeding the men’s 2023 World Cup offering, symbolically and practically asserts that women’s cricket merits not just applause, but equal respect.

As the Women in Blue walk onto the field this World Cup, they’re not merely representing India in a competition. They carry the hopes of millions, the promise of inspiring a generation, and the might to redefine what’s possible. Just as 1983 redefined Indian cricket, this World Cup could similarly transform women’s cricket in India.

Years from now, a young girl watching this World Cup may reflect and say: that day marked the start of my journey.

(This column, penned by Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, is distributed by the ICC)

Published on September 29, 2025