Former India captain and women’s cricket trailblazer Mithali Raj lauded the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) for their efforts in advancing women’s cricket after India lifted their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup trophy.
After the presentation ceremony, celebrations reached an emotional high as Mithali, Jhulan Goswami, and Anjum Chopra — legends of the women’s game — joined the current squad for a victory lap. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates handed over the trophy to the former cricketers, marking a poignant moment for the trio.
Mithali, who retired after the 2022 World Cup, expressed her joy at seeing the next generation carry the legacy forward. She also praised the BCCI and ICC for their sustained efforts to strengthen women’s cricket.
“What happened last night is a testament to the fact that when you give wings to a dream, dreams do come true. The girls were brilliant, but one must acknowledge the support behind this watershed moment — four years of planning and belief,” Mithali wrote in a post on X.
“When @JayShah was the BCCI Secretary, the @BCCI introduced initiatives that changed the course of women’s cricket — from equal match fees and the Women’s Premier League to a stronger domestic structure, India A tours, and a thriving U-19 pathway.
“Now, the @ICC continues to shape the women’s game, with the World Cup being hosted at home and the prize pool raised to 13.88 million dollars — a fourfold increase that shows how far the game has come. For every person standing behind a young girl who dares to dream of wearing India’s colours, this is a pivotal moment — a reminder that dreams do come true when those dreams get the support they deserve.”
India beat South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday night to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup trophy, capping a campaign remembered for its courage, flair, and emotion.
–IANS