The opening match between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati saw a record-breaking turnout for the ICC Women’s Cricket WC 2025. Nearly 23,000 spectators flocked to the ACA Stadium to take in an incredible display of cricket action, captivating live acts, and an electrifying musical homage to a local legend.
The ICC Women’s Cricket WC 2025 opening match drew 22,843 spectators, the most ever for a group stage match at any ICC Women’s event.
The previous record of 15,935 was set at the India vs. Pakistan match at the Dubai International Stadium during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
A heartfelt musical homage to the late Zubeen Garg, a renowned icon in Assam, kicked off the day. In front of an emotional home audience, acclaimed artists Papon, Joi Barua, and the esteemed Shillong Chamber Choir honoured his legacy with moving performances of his most well-known pieces.
The national anthems were performed with great emotion as the players took the pitch, with Nuwandhika Kumari singing the Sri Lankan national anthem and Shreya Ghoshal providing the voice for India’s national hymn.
Shreya Ghoshal made a comeback to the stage during the mid-innings break to play the official tournament anthem and a lively medley of her popular songs. This incredible start symbolises a turning point for women’s sport in the nation as well as the start of a tournament that promises not only fantastic cricket.
The BCCI also used the occasion to commemorate 16 former Indian women cricket players, including former captains Shanta Rangaswamy, Pramila Bhatt, Purnima Rau, Anjum Chopra, and Mithali Raj, as well as ICC Hall of Famers Diana Eduljee and Neetu David.
Despite sporadic showers, the crowds grew, giving fans hope that more people will attend the 31-match tournament, which will be contested in Guwahati, Indore, Vishakhapatnam, Mumbai, and Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Many people believe that this competition would revolutionise women’s cricket in India, and cricket great Sachin Tendulkar has emphasised the tournament’s significance.
“I have to recognise the progress that has been made over the last few years,” he said. “The Women’s Premier League has completely changed the game.” It has given generations of female cricket players the financial stability, exposure, and platform they could only hope for. Jay Shah deserves most of the credit for laying the groundwork for the WPL and advocating for equal match prices for men and women while serving as BCCI secretary.
On paper, these actions might seem administrative, but in practice, they transform lives. Every young girl who aspires is told that her enthusiasm is equally respected. Additionally, I would like to applaud the ICC for announcing record prize money for this competition, which even surpassed the 2023 men’s World Cup prize money. The great cricket player added, “It sends a powerful message, both symbolically and practically, that women’s cricket deserves not just applause but equal respect.”
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