When the Indian women’s cricket team lifted the ICC World Cup trophy yesterday, the roar that echoed across the stadium was not just for a match won, but for a dream realized—a dream planted more than five decades ago by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This monumental victory is the culmination of an extraordinary 50-year journey, transforming women’s cricket from a fledgling pursuit born of political will into a global powerhouse and a living testament to female empowerment in India.
The Seed of Empowerment (1971)
The genesis of this sporting success lies in the transformative early 1970s. As feminist movements gained momentum worldwide, India’s first and only woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, recognized that sport could be a powerful tool for gender equality. In 1971, defying the deeply patriarchal societal norms that confined sports largely to the male domain, she instructed her subordinates to establish a formal body: the Women’s Cricket Federation of India (WCFI).
This was not merely an administrative gesture; it was a bold socio-political statement. By 1975, the nation had assembled its first women’s team. Before their domestic debut, Gandhi personally met the pioneering players, urging them to represent India with resilience and pride. She firmly believed that, given the opportunity, Indian women would stand shoulder to shoulder with men on every national front, including the cricket pitch.
The First Steps on the Global Stage
Under the WCFI’s nascent leadership, Indian women’s cricket took its first tentative international steps. In 1976–77, the team embarked on its maiden overseas tour to New Zealand and Australia—a remarkable feat considering the scarcity of basic facilities, coaching infrastructure, and financial backing at the time. That same year, India formally marked its entry into global cricket by playing its first international Test match against the West Indies.
The early matches were often modestly attended with minimal media coverage. Yet, the sheer grit of those pioneering players—many of whom balanced family duties and jobs alongside their passion—established an unshakeable foundation for future generations.
Decades of Determination and the BCCI Era
The decades that followed were a testament to determination against overwhelming odds. The WCFI continued to organize domestic tournaments and nurture talent while battling financial struggles and limited public recognition.
The tide began to turn dramatically in 2006. Following an International Cricket Council directive, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took over the administration of women’s cricket. This merger was the critical inflection point, opening doors to professional coaching, vastly improved facilities, substantial sponsorship, and greater visibility. This era saw the emergence of iconic figures like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, who began to transform the public perception of the sport.
The 2017 World Cup final at Lord’s, where India narrowly lost to England, proved to be another crucial turning point. The heartbreak ignited a massive nationwide conversation about gender parity in sports, finally showcasing the immense potential of India’s women cricketers to the masses.
The Path to Glory and the New Generation
Inspired by their trailblazing predecessors, the next generation seized the momentum. The rise of modern-day stars like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and Renuka Singh is a reflection of a maturing domestic system and the supreme confidence of young players. The infusion of corporate sponsorships, IPL-style leagues, and significant social media exposure finally provided women cricketers with the consistent, high-profile platform they had long deserved.
Yesterday’s World Cup victory is, therefore, more than just a scoreline—it is a glorious triumph of history, decisive policy, and relentless persistence. The team’s performance was characterized by tactical brilliance, youthful energy, and steely emotional composure. Their journey from the dusty grounds of the 1970s to the floodlit stadiums of today is nothing short of cinematic.
Fulfilling the Vision
When Indira Gandhi established the WCFI, she famously declared that Indian women must become “winners in every field.” The 2025 World Cup victory is the ultimate fulfillment of that prophecy.
Over the past five decades, women’s cricket in India has mirrored the country’s broader social transformation—a narrative where women have continuously defied low expectations, smashed gender barriers, and claimed their rightful place in national life. The torch that Indira Gandhi lit in 1971 has now fully illuminated the world stage. As the tricolour was hoisted high above the World Cup final, it carried not just the pride of victory but the memory of a visionary leader who, half a century ago, believed that India’s daughters could indeed change the game.
Hasnain Naqvi is a former member of the history faculty at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
