Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar is convinced that the forthcoming ODI World Cup, hosted in India and kicking off this Tuesday, represents a landmark event for women’s cricket nationwide. He believes that Harmanpreet Kaur’s team is poised to win their first-ever global trophy on home soil, a feat that would undoubtedly be a defining moment.
Sachin Tendulkar (IANS)
“I sense that women’s cricket in India stands on the cusp of its own watershed moment,” Tendulkar shared in an ICC column. “The upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup isn’t merely about pursuing a trophy; it’s about igniting countless dreams across the country. Imagine a teenage girl in Moga clutching her bat tighter, hoping to emulate her idol Harmanpreet Kaur, or another young girl in Sangli practicing her drives, daring to dream like Smriti Mandhana.”
Tendulkar vividly recalled Harmanpreet Kaur’s unforgettable 171-run innings against Australia during the 2017 World Cup semifinal, an innings that truly captivated the nation. “It was not just an innings; it was a statement,” he remarked. “The sheer audacity of her strokeplay, the clarity of her mind, and the courage in her heart propelled women’s cricket in India into a new orbit. I believe that was the moment when many stopped viewing women’s cricket as a mere sideshow—it confidently took center stage.”
He further lauded Smriti Mandhana’s batting prowess, describing her style with admiration: “There is a silken grace to her batting, a natural rhythm in the way she times the ball. Her ability to find gaps with such elegance reminds me of the finest players in the game.”
The legendary cricketer views this home World Cup as an indispensable launchpad for the ongoing growth and advancement of women’s cricket. “Now, the sport has the opportunity to transcend barriers—of gender, of perception, of accessibility,” he explained. “Every young girl, even one with a plastic bat in a small town, must feel that the world is open to her, just as I felt after witnessing Team India’s triumph in 1983.”
Tendulkar also extended his appreciation to ICC chairman Jay Shah, acknowledging his vital contributions to women’s cricket in India. “A lot of credit must go to Jay Shah, who, during his time as BCCI secretary, passionately advocated for equal match fees for men and women and laid the crucial foundation for the Women’s Premier League,” Tendulkar concluded.