The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 exploded onto the global stage with an electrifying opening match between India and Sri Lanka at Guwahati’s ACA Stadium. A staggering 22,843 fans filled the stands, setting a new benchmark for group stage attendance at any ICC Women’s event. This figure shattered the previous record of 15,935 set during the India-Pakistan clash at the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, signaling the soaring popularity of women’s cricket.
The tournament’s opening wasn’t just about cricket—it was a vibrant celebration of culture and legacy. The day kicked off with a heartfelt musical tribute to Assam’s legendary icon, the late Zubeen Garg. Performers like Papon, Joi Barua, and the Shillong Chamber Choir delivered soul-stirring performances of his iconic songs, captivating the emotional home crowd.
Adding to the spectacle, Shreya Ghoshal’s powerful rendition of India’s national anthem set a patriotic tone, while Nuwandhika Kumari sang Sri Lanka’s anthem with equal grace. Ghoshal later returned during the mid-innings break, performing the tournament’s official anthem alongside a medley of her chart-topping hits, keeping the energy sky-high.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seized the moment to celebrate the trailblazers of women’s cricket. Sixteen former Indian players, including ICC Hall of Famers Diana Eduljee and Neetu David, and former captains like Mithali Raj and Anjum Chopra, were honored for their contributions. This gesture underscored the tournament’s role as a bridge between the sport’s past and its promising future.
A Game-Changer for Women’s Cricket
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar hailed the tournament as a pivotal moment for women’s sports in India. He credited the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for transforming the landscape by offering visibility, financial stability, and opportunities for female cricketers. Tendulkar also praised former BCCI secretary Jay Shah for introducing equal match fees for men and women, a move that has redefined the value of women’s cricket.
The ICC further amplified this momentum by announcing record-breaking prize money for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, surpassing even the men’s 2023 tournament. “This sends a powerful message that women’s cricket deserves equal respect,” Tendulkar noted, highlighting the symbolic and practical impact of these strides.
Despite intermittent showers, the massive turnout in Guwahati sets high expectations for the 31-match tournament, which will unfold across Guwahati, Indore, Vishakhapatnam, Mumbai, and Colombo. With its blend of world-class cricket, cultural showcases, and a commitment to gender equality, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is poised to be a landmark event, inspiring a new generation of fans and players alike.
