With the ICC Women’s World Cup final featuring India and South Africa on the horizon, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has publicly celebrated the dramatic increase in women’s cricket’s popularity across India. He attributed this growth to enhanced fan engagement and the national team’s outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
Shukla remarked on the full capacity of the stadium during the semi-final and the overwhelming demand for final tickets, underscoring the sport’s rising profile. ‘Women’s cricket’s popularity is rising,’ he stated, contrasting the current scenario with a past where the sport was largely overlooked and lacked player base in numerous states. The positive shift now includes parents eagerly supporting their daughters’ cricketing ambitions.
He highlighted the Indian team’s semi-final victory against Australia, achieved by successfully chasing the highest total in women’s ODI history, as a monumental success. This win has not only brought laurels to the team but has also significantly contributed to the advancement of women’s cricket in India.
Shukla conveyed his strong belief in India’s potential to win the World Cup final against South Africa, anticipating that such a triumph would significantly boost women’s cricket’s global standing. He reassured that the BCCI has consistently invested efforts to ensure the sport’s prosperity since its integration.
In the thrilling semi-final encounter, Australia scored 338, with Litchfield scoring a century and Perry and Gardner providing substantial support. India’s bowlers, particularly Charani and Sharma, took wickets, but it was Jemimah Rodrigues’ brilliant batting display, supported by Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh, and Amanjot Kaur, that guided India to a memorable victory and a place in the final. Jemimah was recognized as the Player of the Match for her stellar contribution.