ICC chair Shah hails Indian women’s team for lifting maiden WC title

ICC Chairman Jay Shah hailed India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 triumph, describing the victory as a landmark achievement fuelled by extraordinary skill, relentless perseverance, and long-term structural changes in Indian cricket.

In a post on social media, Shah wrote: “The @BCCIWomen’s march towards its first @cricketworldcup has been nothing short of spectacular. While the grit, resolve, and skills of the Indian team have inspired the whole nation, we must acknowledge the role of key policy decisions taken by the @BCCI — increased investment, pay parity with male cricketers, overhaul of the coaching staff, and big-match temperament nurtured under the @wplt20 spotlight.

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Congratulations to Harmanpreet Kaur and the entire Indian squad for this historic achievement!”

India scripted history on Sunday night, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai to clinch their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title, a feat 48 years in the making.

Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and head coach Amol Muzumdar, India delivered a campaign marked by composure under pressure and all-around consistency. The title-winning effort was powered by standout performances from Shafali Verma (87 runs, 2 wickets), Deepti Sharma (58 runs, 5 wickets), and Amanjot Kaur, whose spectacular catch to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour.

Shah also used the moment to spotlight the BCCI’s roadmap for women’s cricket, crediting reforms such as equal match fees, enhanced funding, and the creation of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), which he described as a talent incubator for future stars.

Calling the title win a “defining moment” for Indian cricket, Shah said the victory symbolises the journey of the women’s game “from promise to global dominance.”

With this triumph, India now joins the list of nations to have lifted the Women’s World Cup, a breakthrough that is expected to shape the next era of women’s sport in the country.