India eye maiden Women’s World Cup crown

As India gets ready to host the ICC Women’s World Cup for the first time alongside Sri Lanka, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has expressed confidence that the national team can finally end its long wait for a global trophy. The tournament begins on September 30 in Guwahati, with India facing Sri Lanka in the opening clash.

Despite several near misses in the past, the Indian women’s team has never lifted a World Cup in 12 editions. Saikia, however, believes the current squad is primed for a breakthrough. “Indian women’s cricket has come of age, and I am sure they will produce a remarkable performance in the upcoming World Cup. I hope the jinx will be broken this time,” he said at the BCCI headquarters on Sunday.

Highlighting India’s recent performances, Saikia pointed to the ODI series against Australia, where the visitors edged out India 2-1 in a closely fought contest. “It was a very keenly contested series. Australia is a strong side, but India played extremely well and is catching up. This World Cup is a big opportunity for the team to achieve something historic,” he added.

The opening ceremony in Guwahati will also carry a poignant note. Saikia announced that 40 minutes of the event will be dedicated to Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, who died in Singapore on Friday after a scuba diving accident. Garg, 52, was one of the most celebrated voices from the Northeast. “There is huge grief in Assam after his passing. The tribute programme during the ceremony will be our respect and remembrance for him,” Saikia said, adding that the Assam Cricket Association is working with the BCCI to organise the homage.

Popular playback singer Shreya Ghoshal is also set to perform during the mid-innings break of the tournament opener, ensuring a mix of sport and cultural celebration.

With India co-hosting the tournament and expectations running high, the spotlight will firmly be on Harmanpreet Kaur’s team to deliver a maiden World Cup triumph and inspire the next chapter of women’s cricket in the country.