Cricket lovers and players across Siliguri burst into celebration from Sunday midnight as India lifted the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with the city’s own Richa Ghosh playing a significant role in the historic win.
From Hasmi Chowk to Kanchenjunga Stadium, the mood was festive throughout Monday. Local cricket coaching camps and training centres saw young players—especially girls—celebrating the victory and cheering for their hometown star. Streets, clubs, and playgrounds echoed with the sound of drums, fireworks, and slogans in praise of Richa and Team India.
Many fans watched the match till the very end, their excitement reaching a peak when Richa came out to bat in the crucial final moments.
The Siliguri Municipal Corporation, under the initiative of Mayor Goutam Deb, had organised a live public screening of the final match at Baghajatin Park on Sunday evening. Hundreds of residents gathered to witness the thrilling contest on the big screen.
On Monday, mayor Goutam Deb took to Facebook to express his emotions and admiration for Richa, calling her “the pride and emotion of Siliguri.”
“Richa Ghosh is not just a cricketer — she is the pride and emotion of Siliguri. The girl who first picked up a cricket bat for Baghajatin Athletic Club in her childhood is now wearing the Indian jersey and making the nation proud,” wrote the mayor.
He further said: “Richa’s father, Manabendra Ghosh, is also associated with cricket. I have closely witnessed their struggles, hard work, and the journey towards fulfilling their dream. Richa is not only an excellent wicketkeeper but also one of India’s most dependable batters today.”
The mayor recalled how, after India’s U-19 World Cup victory, Richa had gifted him a Team India jersey. “That jersey will be preserved in a museum for future generations to draw inspiration from,” Deb said.
He also mentioned that Richa has never forgotten her roots. “She extended financial assistance to the very club — Baghajatin Athletic Club — where her cricketing journey began. It’s a remarkable example of gratitude and humility,” the mayor wrote, adding: “Richa is our inspiration, our pride — her name will remain eternal in the heart of Siliguri.”
In the World Cup final, Richa scored 34 runs off 24 balls, playing a valuable innings that helped India secure the title.
Richa Ghosh’s World Cup 2025 Performance:
Matches: 8
Runs: 235
Average: 39.16
Strike Rate: 133.52
23 Fours, 12 Sixes
Cricket enthusiasts described it as a dream tournament for the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Siliguri.
Tapan Bhaowal, Richa’s former coach who trained her between 2017 and 2019, said: “Richa’s journey is the outcome of her dedication and hard work. Her father, Manabendra Ghosh, was a constant source of support and encouragement. Even during her district-level days, she showed great promise.”
The coach added, “We always believed Richa would reach great heights, but her success at the international level has surpassed all expectations. Her determination and focus have made her a role model for young cricketers in Siliguri.”