The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai has long been a trusted venue for women’s cricket. But this Women’s Cricket World Cup has transformed it into something bigger – the centre of a movement. For the writer, who has been living, breathing and watching the game since childhood, this is personal. There was a time when mentioning women’s cricket would draw blank stares. The country simply didn’t know. Now? The change feels almost magical.
At a cafe the other evening, a group of college students were passionately discussing Alana King. One admitted that he never knew she was that good a bowler; another joked, “She’s from the land of Warne, isn’t she?” A third sighed, “Australia have too many all-rounders.” They kept going, debating player strengths as if they’d followed this sport forever. It was the kind of conversation the writer once wished would exist.
Ticket fever: everyone wants in
The demand for tickets reflects the frenzy. The hotel front office manager and his team hoped we had spares for the semi-final. Auto drivers who dropped us off have quietly asked the same. People want to be inside the venue. They want to be part of this moment.
This passion shone bright in the last game against Bangladesh. The match had no impact on the standings yet 25,965 fans turned up. And what a crowd they were. Rain came, went, came again, and ultimately won but the stands barely emptied. Instead of groans, there were dance moves, cheers, laughter. Fans didn’t just stay, they celebrated.
The noise is relentless. At times, you find yourself wondering if you missed a wicket or a six, only to realise it’s just raw excitement erupting for… everything. Children barely taller than the seat numbers to grandparents cheering with unmatched energy, all united by a sport that once struggled to be seen.
A new kind of supporter – respectful, informed, proud
India may bicker online, but inside stadiums, the vibe has been surprisingly wholesome. Logical. Respectful. Supporters walk up to us during shows to share thoughts, not to tear players down, but to defend them, champion them. It is fandom without the venom.
With the semi-finals around the corner, there is a slight worry overhead, Thursday’s rain forecast has climbed to 95%, with the reserve day carrying 65% chance of showers. Yet two guarantees remain:
- India’s fans will show up
- The cricket will be fierce
Whatever the result, the noise will tell its own story.
The game the nation finally claimed
Whether in Guwahati, Vizag, Indore or Navi Mumbai, women’s cricket is no longer a footnote. It is front and centre, on hoardings, on broadcasts, in cafes, in queues, in chants that shake steel and concrete.
To see this unfold feels like savouring a hot cup of coffee on a cold winter night, comforting, warming, soul-stirring. It used to be a dream that India, in all its vast sporting madness, would one day have space for women’s cricket. That dream has stepped into the spotlight and it’s staying there.
India didn’t just turn up, India turned a sport into a celebration.