The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is set to mark a landmark chapter in Indian cricket. Hosted by India alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, the tournament begins on September 30 and runs until November 2, with 31 matches scheduled across 34 days. The semi-finals will be played on October 29 and 30, leading into the grand finale on November 2. Featuring eight competitive teams in a round-robin format, the top four sides will progress to the knockouts, making every game a must-watch contest.
For India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, this is more than just another World Cup—it is a golden opportunity. Playing at home, with passionate crowds behind them, the Women in Blue are among the strong favourites to lift the trophy. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar himself believes that women’s cricket in India stands on the cusp of its own “watershed moment,” much like the men’s team did in 1983.
Tendulkar recalled his own childhood inspiration, watching Kapil Dev’s India stun the world by winning the 1983 World Cup at Lord’s. He described how moments like Mohinder Amarnath’s brilliance and Kapil’s heroic 175 against Zimbabwe created a belief system for an entire generation.
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Today, Sachin Tendulkar sees the same potential in women’s cricket, especially after Harmanpreet Kaur’s unforgettable 171* against Australia in 2017—a knock that put Indian women’s cricket firmly on the global map.
ICC Hall of Famer Sachin Tendulkar pens a heartfelt note on the eve of #CWC25 ✍️
Catch all the @cricketworldcup action from September 30, broadcast details here ➡️ https://t.co/7wsR28P7Sahttps://t.co/wDcCPiVaet
— ICC (@ICC) September 29, 2025
Alongside Harmanpreet, Smriti Mandhana continues to inspire with her elegant strokeplay and record-breaking feats. Her 50-ball century against Australia remains one of the most potent reminders of Indian women’s dominance on the world stage. Both stars embody not only skill but also the spirit of modern Indian cricket—confident, fearless, and unafraid of big moments.
Yet, this World Cup is larger than individual brilliance. It represents a shift in the narrative of women’s cricket. For decades, the game lived in the shadows, but initiatives like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) have been revolutionary. By providing exposure, financial stability, and equal opportunities, the WPL has forever changed the ecosystem. Much credit goes to BCCI secretary Jay Shah for ensuring equal match fees for women and laying the foundation for this progress.
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The ICC, too, has underlined its commitment by offering record prize money for this World Cup—symbolically surpassing even the men’s edition in 2023. This year’s World Cup is more than a tournament—it is a movement. A young girl practicing with a plastic bat in a small town must believe her dream is as valid as any boy’s. Just as the 1983 victory redefined Indian cricket, the 2025 Women’s World Cup has the power to reshape the sport’s future in the country.
As Harmanpreet and her team step onto the field, they will not only be playing for runs and wickets but for history itself. And perhaps, years from now, a young girl will look back at this World Cup and say—this is where her journey began.
