The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 began with a historic milestone as Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium hosted a record crowd for a women’s cricket World Cup match. A total of 22,843 fans attended the India vs Sri Lanka opener on Tuesday, making it the most attended group-stage fixture in the tournament’s history.
Record crowd sets new benchmark
The turnout surpassed the previous record of 15,935, set during the India-Pakistan clash at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The milestone reflects the growing interest and support for women’s cricket, which has seen unprecedented growth in the last few years.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has also introduced record prize money and new initiatives to improve fan accessibility at the ongoing tournament, further contributing to the sport’s rising popularity.
Tendulkar hails women’s cricket growth
ICC Hall of Famer Sachin Tendulkar lauded the progress women’s cricket has made in recent years. In a column for the ICC, he credited the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as a “game-changer” that gave women players visibility and financial stability.
“I must acknowledge the strides made in the past few years. The Women’s Premier League has been nothing short of a game-changer. It has provided the platform, visibility, and financial security that generations of women cricketers could only dream of,” Tendulkar said.
He also praised BCCI Secretary Jay Shah for pushing equal match fees for men and women, calling it a landmark reform. “These steps may appear administrative on paper, but in reality, they change lives,” Tendulkar added.
The former cricketer further applauded the ICC for announcing record prize money for this edition of the Women’s World Cup, even surpassing what was offered in the men’s World Cup 2023. “Symbolically and practically, it sends a powerful message — that women’s cricket deserves not just applause, but equal respect,” he said.
Deepti Sharma shines in India’s opening win
On the field, India made a winning start to their campaign by defeating Sri Lanka by 59 runs. Batting first, India posted 269/8 in 47 overs after rain reduced the match. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 211 in 45.4 overs.
All-rounder Deepti Sharma played a crucial role, picking up 3/54 and overtaking former spinner Neetu David to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs. Deepti now has 143 wickets in 113 matches, with best figures of 6/20. Only veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami remains ahead with 255 wickets in 204 matches.
Supporting Deepti, spinners Sneh Rana (2/32) and Shree Charani (2/37) helped India restrict Sri Lanka despite some resistance during the chase.
Historic beginning for the Women’s World Cup
The record-breaking crowd, India’s emphatic win, and the recognition from legends like Sachin Tendulkar marked a powerful beginning for the Women’s World Cup 2025. With the tournament promising competitive cricket and groundbreaking changes in women’s sports, this opener set the tone for an unforgettable edition.