Anjum Chopra Celebrates India's Historic ICC Women's World Cup Victory
A Momentous Achievement for Indian Women's Cricket
Former Indian captain and cricketer Anjum Chopra expressed her joy over Team India's historic win at the ICC Women's World Cup, reflecting on the "wonderful memories" created during the tournament. She described this victory as a significant milestone in the realm of women's cricket.
On November 2, India made history by defending a target of 299 against South Africa, clinching their first world title in both ODI and T20I formats with a 52-run victory at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This triumph followed two previous disappointments in the World Cup finals of 2005 and 2017, and it was made possible by the BCCI's efforts to enhance women's cricket, including equal match fees with the men's team and the establishment of the Women's Premier League (WPL).
During a press interaction at the FICCI TURF 2025 – 15th Global Sports Summit, Chopra shared her personal connection to this World Cup win. She stated, "This moment remains special to me. Watching highlights on my phone brings back joyful memories, especially Harman's catch and our semifinal victory. Despite the tough times when we lost three consecutive matches, the semifinal win against Australia was a turning point. I may not have played, but I proudly tell people I am a world champion (laughs)."
Chopra also highlighted the WPL as a crucial development for women cricketers, emphasizing its role in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for aspiring players. She noted, "The WPL has been a significant stepping stone for women athletes. We've seen noticeable improvement in Indian players from the first to the second season. It's not about making giant leaps but progressing in the right direction. This World Cup win marks a pivotal change in women's cricket, and the accolades we've earned are incredibly meaningful. I view the WPL as an excellent platform for players to pursue and advance in the sport."
Looking ahead to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in the UK next year, Anjum acknowledged the challenges posed by the different format and location. She expressed confidence that the players would put in the effort needed now that they have a trophy to their name.