The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai erupted in celebration as India clinched the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, but back in South Africa, the mood was starkly different. Among the most vocal critics was Cape Town-based actress, writer, and fervent cricket fan, Thanja Vuur, whose scathing remarks about her country’s lack of support quickly went viral.
In an impactful Instagram reel, Vuur directly challenged South Africa’s prominent cricket personalities and influential leaders, questioning their failure to attend the crucial final match. Her video highlighted the striking contrast between India’s immense fan turnout and the notable absence of South African dignitaries, igniting a widespread debate across both cricketing nations.
The emotional aftermath of South Africa’s loss was also captured in a separate report, revealing Laura Wolvaardt’s poignant reaction: “It hurts, but I’m proud.”
Vuur didn’t mince words, starting her critique with a direct question: “Who the hell showed up from South Africa?” She emphasized the overwhelming Indian presence in the stands, which stood in sharp contrast to her own nation’s silence.
Before unleashing her criticism, Vuur lauded the Indian fans for their unparalleled passion. “India, you win this World Cup. Your congratulations is coming. Just give me a few minutes because first I’m gonna tell you why. The reason is you,” she declared, acknowledging their pivotal role in the victory.
She further underscored this disparity by pointing out the presence of Indian cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, VVS Laxman, and Sunil Gavaskar at the venue, alongside various ICC and franchise figures. This, she argued, was the fundamental difference between the two cricketing cultures.
Shifting her focus back to South Africa, Vuur repeated her viral line with even greater intensity: “Who the hell showed up from South Africa? These ex-cricket players that you love from South Africa, the men…. where are they? Oh, this event was not high-profile enough for them.”
Her disappointment extended beyond former players to the nation’s political and sports leadership. Vuur expressed profound dismay that “not even the Sports Minister” bothered to attend the final.
“The girls worked so hard. They did so well. But what does it feel like when none of these people show up? Did they just think we were gonna lose? Is that the message they’re sending?” she questioned, framing the situation not just as a sporting defeat, but as a deep emotional neglect of the players.
Vuur’s reel ultimately returned to celebrating India, crediting the country’s profound cricket culture and dedicated fan base as the driving force behind their triumph. “You guys live and breathe this sport… It is breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You are the winners of this World Cup. And you know what? You deserve it,” she concluded, linking fan energy directly to the team’s success.
Her powerful comments have sparked a crucial national conversation in South Africa regarding the valuation of women’s cricket and the disheartening lack of support from national icons and leaders during one of the most significant moments in their players’ careers.