Historic Moment for Women’s Cricket: IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal on India’s Women’s World Cup Aspirations
Historic Moment Awaits: India’s Women’s Cricket Team Eyes World Cup Glory
New Delhi, October 31 (ANI) – In a thrilling turn of events, the Indian women’s cricket team has secured its place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final, defeating Australia by five wickets in a nail-biting semifinal. As the team prepares to clash with South Africa this Sunday in Navi Mumbai, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has made a bold prediction: a victory would mark a watershed moment for women’s cricket in India, akin to the monumental 1983 Men’s World Cup win.
Dhumal expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements, attributing their success to groundbreaking initiatives like the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and strides toward pay parity. "Mark my words, the way the 1983 World Cup changed cricket for men in India, if they win the day after, it will be a historic moment for women’s cricket," he stated.
The WPL, launched in 2023, has rapidly gained traction, featuring five city-based teams and igniting a new passion for women’s cricket across the nation. The Mumbai Indians claimed the inaugural title, followed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, showcasing the league’s growing popularity.
Dhumal highlighted the importance of the decisions made under the leadership of BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, emphasizing that the push for gender equality in cricket has yielded remarkable results. "We were very clear that we needed to start with the WPL and pay parity. These girls have made each one of us proud," he remarked.
The BCCI’s comprehensive plan, which includes equal pay for Indian cricketers, has garnered widespread support from players and fans alike. The cricketing community has lauded Shah and the BCCI for their commitment to promoting women’s cricket, marking a significant shift in the landscape of the sport.
As the final approaches, all eyes will be on the Indian women’s team, with hopes high for a historic victory that could redefine the future of women’s cricket in India. The stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown, and the nation stands united in support of its champions.