Women’s cricket in India is on the cusp of a historic turning point. In a bold and emotionally charged statement ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia compared the potential impact of an Indian victory to the legendary 1983 men’s World Cup triumph—a moment that reshaped Indian cricket forever.
Table of Contents
- 1983 Echoes in 2025
- BCCI’s Commitment to Women’s Red-Ball Cricket
- WPL and the Rise of Women’s Cricket
- What a World Cup Win Could Mean
1983 Echoes in 2025
Speaking with palpable conviction, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia didn’t mince words: “If our women lift the trophy, it will have the same transformative impact as Kapil Dev’s 1983 win.” That historic victory didn’t just bring a title—it ignited a cricketing revolution across India, inspiring generations and laying the foundation for the sport’s commercial and cultural dominance in the country .
Now, over four decades later, Saikia believes the women’s team stands at a similar inflection point. A World Cup win wouldn’t just be a sporting achievement—it could catalyze unprecedented investment, media attention, and grassroots participation in women’s cricket nationwide.
BCCI’s Commitment to Women’s Red-Ball Cricket
Beyond the World Cup hype, Saikia reaffirmed the board’s strategic shift toward strengthening the foundation of women’s red-ball cricket. He confirmed concrete plans to schedule more Test matches for the national women’s team and expand multi-day domestic competitions—a move long advocated by players and fans alike.
“We are committed to giving our women cricketers the full spectrum of the game,” Saikia stated. This signals a departure from the T20-centric approach and acknowledges the importance of building technical depth and resilience through longer formats.
WPL and the Rise of Women’s Cricket
The explosive success of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has undeniably accelerated this momentum. Since its inception, the WPL has provided a high-profile platform for domestic talent, attracted global stars, and drawn record-breaking viewership and sponsorship deals.
Saikia credited the league as a “game-changer,” noting how it has elevated player confidence, professionalism, and public engagement. The synergy between WPL exposure and international performance is now visible—India’s recent competitive showings in bilateral series and ICC events reflect this growing ecosystem.
What a World Cup Win Could Mean
A victory in the final would do more than fill trophy cabinets. Experts believe it could trigger:
- National school programs focused on girls’ cricket
- Increased broadcast rights value for women’s matches
- More state-level red-ball tournaments for women
- Corporate sponsorships shifting from token support to long-term partnerships
In essence, it could mirror 1983—not in nostalgia, but in legacy-building power.
Key Milestones in Indian Women’s Cricket (2020–2025)
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2023 | First official WPL season launched |
| 2024 | India hosts first women’s Test in 7 years (vs South Africa) |
| 2025 | Reaches ICC Women’s World Cup Final |
| 2025 (Planned) | Expansion of Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal Multi-Day Trophy |