The opening game of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 began in a beautiful and soulful way. To pay tribute to their beloved singer, the late Zubeen Garg, several artistes, including Angaraag ‘Papon’ Mahanta and other local singers, performed Assamese songs. The whole crowd joined in, humming and enjoying the moment.
The programme was scheduled to start at 2 pm, but fans began arriving well before that. By noon, long queues were already seen at the stadium gates. Many thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Assam Cricket Association for arranging this heartfelt tribute to one of Assam’s most loved sons.
With soulful voices and bright lights, the stadium looked colourful. Soon after the tribute, the toss took place. Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu won it and chose to bowl first. She showed confidence in her bowling unit and said that was the reason behind her decision.
Fans then witnessed the World Cup trophy being brought on to the field by the former India skipper, Mithali Raj.
After that, another beautiful scene followed. Two groups walked out on to the field, one carrying the Indian flag and the other carrying the Sri Lankan flag. Both teams then came out and stood in front of their national flags. Sri Lankan singer Nuwandhika Senarathne sang her country’s anthem.
For India, it was Shreya Ghoshal who sang the national anthem. The moment her name was announced, fans went wild with cheers. Her melodious voice filled the stadium as she sang “Jana Gana Mana”, creating calm before the battle began on the field.
Then came the action. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal walked out to open for India, while Achini Kulasuriya started the bowling for Sri Lanka.
For Assam, nothing could have been a better start to this World Cup. Fans now look forward to India putting up a big score, enjoying a 12-minute Shreya Ghoshal show at the mid-innings break, and hopefully celebrating a win. A winning start for India would be the perfect icing on the cake.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news