As confetti rained down and the Indian women’s cricket team lifted their first-ever ICC trophy on November 2, 2025, a shadow from the past briefly dimmed the spotlight. A resurfaced 2013 comment by former BCCI president N. Srinivasan—allegedly saying, “I wouldn’t let women’s cricket happen”—sparked renewed debate about the long, uneven road to this historic victory in India’s Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 .
The quote, pulled from an old interview during a time when women’s cricket received minimal infrastructure, funding, or broadcast coverage, now stands in stark contrast to the present: a sold-out stadium, ₹51 crore in rewards, and a nation united in celebration.
Harmanpreet’s Graceful Response: “We Focus on the Pitch, Not the Past”
When asked about Srinivasan’s remark during a post-victory press conference, captain Harmanpreet Kaur chose diplomacy over drama. “There were people who didn’t believe in us,” she said calmly. “But instead of anger, we used it as fuel. Today isn’t about one comment—it’s about 15 women who refused to be invisible.”
Her measured response was widely praised as a masterclass in leadership—acknowledging history without letting it define the moment.
From Neglect to National Pride: The Evolution
Just a decade ago, India’s women trained on the fringes—often borrowing men’s kits, practicing on unlit grounds, and traveling in economy class while their male counterparts flew business. The 2017 World Cup final loss was a turning point, but real change only accelerated after 2021, when the BCCI granted equal match fees.
Now, with Shafali Verma’s explosive 87 in the final and Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance (58 runs + 5/39), the team didn’t just win—they dominated. And they did it on their own terms.
What Has Changed Since Srinivasan’s Era?
| Aspect | 2013 (Srinivasan Era) | 2025 (Post-World Cup Win) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Budget for Women’s Cricket | ₹8 crore | ₹120 crore+ |
| Match Fees (ODI) | ₹10,000 | ₹15 lakh (equal to men) |
| TV Coverage | Minimal, delayed telecast | Prime-time, multi-platform live |
| World Cup Titles | 0 | 1 (2025) |
A Symbolic Victory Over Systemic Barriers
The 2025 triumph is more than sport—it’s social commentary. For years, women’s cricket was dismissed as “not commercially viable.” Yet the final drew 87 million viewers in India alone, surpassing many IPL matches. Brands rushed to sign Deepti and Shafali within hours of the win.
As one fan posted online: “Srinivasan said he wouldn’t let it happen. But they didn’t ask for permission—they took the field and made history.”
Looking Forward: Building on the Momentum
The team’s success has already prompted the BCCI to fast-track a Women’s IPL expansion and launch a nationwide U-16 talent hunt. “This trophy is just the beginning,” said coach Amol Muzumdar. “The dream now is to make women’s cricket the norm, not the exception.”
Sources
Times of India: “I Wouldn’t Let Women’s Cricket Happen” – Srinivasan’s Old Comment Resurfaces
BCCI Gender Equity Report (2024)
ICC Viewing Data – Women’s World Cup 2025 Final
ESPNcricinfo: “From Margins to Mainstream: India’s Women’s Cricket Revolution”