Boria Majumdar
For the longest time, we questioned the BCCI for not doing enough for the women’s game. I had written countless pieces on why the WPL wasn’t being made a reality. Credit where due, because in the last few years, the BCCI has done much to promote the sport and the World Cup win will only add momentum. Now that the 50-over World Cup has been won, the BCCI too will do more to keep pushing. There is another World Cup in England, in the T20 format in June 2026, and it would be great to see India make a title tilt.
Australia, England and New Zealand dominated the sport for they were quicker off the blocks. South Africa made up ground and have been regular finalists of late. Australia did not stop with a one-off. They kept winning and made it a habit. That’s what explains the multiple world titles they have won over the years. With strong infrastructure and the momentum the World Cup win will bring in its wake, India’s next target should be to consolidate and subsequently dominate the sport. With the base of the sport expanding, it isn’t an unrealistic target, and should be met in the coming decade.
With the WPL being staged in the T20 format, it is even more likely that a lot of new talent will come up in the next few years. In fact, this should be made the format of choice with the LA 2028 Olympics now less than 1000 days away. India are mounting a strong Olympic bid and a very good LA ’28 is essential to make a statement. With medals added in cricket, India should make a strong effort to win two. There is still a lot of scope for improvement, and that’s what needs to be kept in mind while charting a future roadmap.
Let me give the example of D Gukesh. When we spoke soon after he was crowned world champion, Gukesh was clear about one thing. He was world champion, yes, but he still wanted to be the best player in the world. “I may have won the world championship but there is little debate that Magnus is the best player and the goal is to get there,” said Gukesh. “I will do everything possible to be the best player in the world.” He was clearly chasing excellence, and the world championship was a step in that regard.
It should be the same with the women’s team. With momentum in their corner and renewed confidence, there is no better time to chase excellence. The BCCI is doing all it can for the sport and many will now be inspired to follow their lead. Time and again, India have come close in the T20 format. Take the example of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (2022). The gold medal was within touching distance, and yet, the team had to settle for second-best.
That’s what has now changed. PV Sindhu too after losing eight consecutive finals won a major championship, and thereafter, there was no stopping her. She pushed the bar and won quite a few medals. We’d all like to see the women’s team do the same, and consolidate the gains over the next 12 months.
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