Follow UsThe Women’s ODI World Cup Trophy was unveiled in Mumbai in the presence of ICC Chairman Jay Shah and ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, as the tournament is set to begin in 50 days' time in India. There was also a panel discussion at the event where Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opened up on the dream of winning the World Cup for India.
"Playing in front of a home crowd is always special, and hopefully this time we'll give our 100 per cent and finally break the barrier that all Indian fans have been waiting for,” Harmanpreet said, in the presence of her teammates Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues.
Harmanpreet also remembered her era-defining knock of 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semifinal when India came extremely close to the trophy.
“I still remember that knock - it was very special. A lot changed for me personally after that,” the Indian skipper said.
“At the time, I didn't fully realise what had happened, but when we returned to India after losing the final, the number of people waiting and cheering for us was truly remarkable. That was something very special.”
Meanwhile, ICC supremo Shah highlighted the momentous occasion that the World Cup is happening in the country, and said that the ICC is fully committed to the growth of women’s cricket globally.
"The return of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 to India comes at a defining moment for the women's game, setting the stage for a truly world-class tournament that will further elevate the sport's global stature,” Shah said.
"At the ICC, we remain open to new ideas and are constantly exploring ways to sustain the upward momentum of women's cricket. Conversations like today's panel discussion are invaluable in shaping our collective vision and driving progress.”
The World Cup will begin in Bengaluru on September 30 and the matches will also be held in Vizag, Indore, Guwahati and Colombo.