Is the Growth of Women’s Cricket a Reflection of Our Country’s Progress?
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Synopsis
In a compelling statement, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlights how the rise of women's cricket embodies the nation's advancements. With the Women’s ODI World Cup approaching, this event promises to be pivotal for the future of the sport and gender equality in cricket.
Key Takeaways
- The growth of women's cricket reflects societal progress.
- The upcoming World Cup can be a transformative event.
- India has a rich history of hosting women's cricket tournaments.
- Women's cricket is gaining recognition and support.
- This tournament marks a significant milestone in women's sports.
Mumbai, Aug 11 (NationPress) The chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Sanjog Gupta, stated that the advancement of women’s cricket symbolizes the country's development in numerous aspects. Gupta made these remarks during the ICC's celebration of the 50-day countdown to the Women’s ODI World Cup, which kicks off on September 30.
"There is a broader narrative at play here, directly relating to what this signifies for the nation. The evolution of women’s cricket serves as a mirror reflecting the progress made by our country. Over the past eight years, the growth of women’s cricket has positioned us at a pivotal moment to elevate the sport to new heights," Gupta expressed.
According to him, "This World Cup presents an opportunity for that next leap forward. World Cups transcend mere events; they serve as gateways to cultivating enduring legacies and nurturing new cultural paradigms," he noted at the '50 days to go' event held on Monday.
India has reached the Women’s ODI World Cup finals twice, in 2005 and 2017, but has not secured the prestigious title on either occasion. The event on Monday also featured notable attendees such as former India captain Mithali Raj, former India men’s all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, ICC chairman Jay Shah, and BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, along with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, and batter Jemimah Rodrigues.
The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup is scheduled to take place from September 30 to November 2, with matches held in Visakhapatnam, Indore, Guwahati, and Bengaluru in India, alongside Colombo in Sri Lanka as the fifth venue. The hosting of matches in Bengaluru is contingent upon receiving the necessary permissions from various authorities, particularly after the Maharaja Trophy T20 games were relocated to Mysuru.
This tournament will follow a round-robin format featuring eight teams, including defending champions Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. It will also mark the first global women’s cricket event in the sub-continent since India hosted the 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Notably, India has previously hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup in 1978, 1997, and 2013.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the profound impact women's cricket has on societal norms and empowerment. Gupta’s remarks should resonate with all stakeholders in the sport, emphasizing that the growth of women’s cricket is not merely a sporting achievement but a reflection of our national ethos and progress.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Women’s ODI World Cup start?
The Women’s ODI World Cup starts on September 30, 2025.
How many teams are participating in the tournament?
Eight teams will participate in the tournament, including defending champions Australia.
Where will the matches be held?
Matches will be held in Visakhapatnam, Indore, Guwahati, Bengaluru, and Colombo.
What format will the tournament follow?
The tournament will follow a round-robin format.
Has India previously hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup?
Yes, India has hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup in 1978, 1997, and 2013.
