Yuvraj Singh and Mithali Raj Discuss Women's Cricket Ahead of World Cup 2025

Excitement Builds for ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 11: With only 50 days left until India hosts the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, cricket icon Yuvraj Singh has expressed his optimism regarding the team's prospects, as reported by the ICC.

Yuvraj reflected on the unique experience of competing in a World Cup on home soil, emphasizing that while the event is monumental, the team's success hinges on adhering to their established processes.

“The 50-over World Cup is the pinnacle of cricket. It’s happening in India, and everyone should be genuinely excited. Such opportunities are rare in one’s career,” Yuvraj remarked.

He added, “This is a fantastic chance to make history. However, it’s crucial not to assume victory from the outset. You must embrace the entire experience and trust that the results will follow if you commit to the process.”

Yuvraj also highlighted the importance of rallying behind the women cricketers with the same fervor that fans show for the men's team.

“The women’s team has faced challenges in finals. We’ve been in similar situations. It’s vital to savor this moment and stay present rather than looking too far ahead. We’ve supported the men; now it’s time to back the women,” he stated.

Hosting a World Cup brings its own set of pressures, something Yuvraj is well-acquainted with. He offered valuable advice to the players who will compete in front of a home crowd.

“Fans expect boundaries and wickets; that’s the nature of the game. They come for entertainment. However, to win the World Cup, players must remain composed during high-pressure moments. There will be times when things don’t go as planned, and that’s when experience and self-belief must prevail. Every time you step onto the field, you need to believe in your ability to perform,” Yuvraj emphasized.

Former captain Mithali Raj joined Yuvraj on the panel, sharing insights into the evolution of women’s cricket, from her early days to India reaching the finals of the 2017 World Cup.

“Joining the BCCI in 2006 was a significant milestone. The infrastructure and financial support improved dramatically, allowing for more international matches. Now, the girls play regularly, which is crucial for maintaining momentum. Being under the ICC was also a pivotal moment. I recall my father watching me on TV for the first time during the 2009 T20 World Cup, as there was little visibility for women’s cricket before that,” Mithali recounted.

“I was contemplating leaving the sport due to an injury since 2005, but the live broadcast by the ICC reignited my passion. I remember watching a Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan in 2017 while packing, and the commentators mentioned that the 2017 Women’s World Cup was the next major ICC event. That promo, featuring the captains and the logo, really resonated with me,” she added.

“It’s been a journey, and I’m grateful to have been part of it,” Mithali concluded.

The Women’s World Cup is set to commence on September 30, with India playing against Sri Lanka in the tournament's opening match in Bengaluru.