Cricket in India has always been more than just a game — it’s an emotion, a religion, and a dream.
For decades, this dream was seen only through the eyes of men. But behind the scenes, there were women too — fighting, training, and dreaming the same dream, just with fewer resources and almost no recognition.
From playing in dusty school grounds to lifting the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, the Indian women’s cricket team has come a long, beautiful, and inspiring journey.
This is the story of how Indian women went from struggle to stardom, breaking barriers and inspiring millions.
And how platforms like CareerInCricket.com are now making that journey easier for the next generation of girls who want to follow the same path.
Read more: Career in Cricket for Women in India: Opportunities, Challenges & Growth
1. The Humble Beginnings – 1970s to 1990s
Women’s cricket in India started quietly in the early 1970s, when the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) was formed.
But in those days, players had to bring their own kits, buy their own travel tickets, and sometimes play in men’s hand-me-down jerseys.
Stars like Diana Edulji, Shantha Rangaswamy, and Sandhya Agarwal played purely for passion — not fame, not money, not comfort.
They practiced on uneven grounds, often after school or work hours.
Yet, despite every limitation, they put Indian women’s cricket on the world map — reaching the World Cup semifinals in 1978 and 1997, when very few even knew India had a women’s team.
Their journey laid the foundation for the revolution we see today.
2. The BCCI Takeover – A Turning Point
In 2006, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially took over women’s cricket.
This was a game-changing moment.
Under BCCI:
- Players started receiving central contracts.
- Facilities and coaching improved.
- National tournaments were standardized.
- Players began representing India more frequently in ICC tournaments.
With better infrastructure and recognition, a new generation of cricketers began to emerge —
Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma — names that would soon inspire millions of Indian girls to pick up the bat.
3. The Road to Global Recognition – The 2017 and 2022 World Cups
Before 2025, Indian women had already come heartbreakingly close to glory.
In the 2017 Women’s World Cup, led by Mithali Raj, India reached the finals after a heroic run.
But in the final at Lord’s, England edged out India by just 9 runs — breaking a billion hearts.
That loss, however, changed everything.
It brought women’s cricket into the national spotlight.
Suddenly, players like Harmanpreet Kaur, whose 171* against Australia became legendary, were household names.
By 2022, India had reached the semifinals again, showing consistency and intent.
It was clear — a World Cup win was coming soon.
4. The Golden Moment – 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup was hosted in India and Sri Lanka — a home World Cup for the Indian women.
From the first match, there was energy, confidence, and belief.
Let’s relive the highlights 👇
🇮🇳 Group Stage
India started strong, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana leading powerful batting displays.
However, a loss to Australia in the early stage tested their resolve.
The turning point came when India beat England convincingly — thanks to Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance and Renuka Singh’s fiery bowling spell.
* Semi-Final: India vs Australia
A match that felt like destiny.
Australia, the six-time world champions, looked unbeatable.
But Jemimah Rodrigues had other plans — her magical 127 off 98 balls* led India to an incredible chase, knocking out Australia and sending India into their third-ever World Cup final.
The entire nation celebrated like Diwali came early! 🎆
* Final: India vs South Africa (Navi Mumbai, November 2, 2025)
Wankhede Stadium was roaring. 60,000+ fans, tricolour everywhere.
India batted first — Shafali Verma smashed 87 runs in a fearless start, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur anchored the innings with a steady 63.
India posted 282/6.
In reply, South Africa started strong but India’s bowling attack dominated.
Deepti Sharma’s spell of 3/29, combined with Renuka Thakur’s pace, destroyed their middle order.
India won by 52 runs, creating history!
India had won its first-ever Women’s World Cup title!
Tears, joy, fireworks — it was a proud moment for every Indian.
The players were heroes, the stadium was emotional, and the world finally bowed to India’s daughters. 🇮🇳✨
5. What the 2025 Win Means for India
The 2025 victory wasn’t just about a trophy —
it was about changing mindsets, inspiring dreams, and opening doors for thousands of girls across India.
This win proved that:
- Women’s cricket deserves equal attention and investment.
- Girls from small towns can make it big.
- Cricket is not just “men’s sport” — it’s India’s sport.
Since the win, more girls have enrolled in cricket academies than ever before, and new women-only cricket programs have started across India.
Read more: How to Balance Cricket Training with School or College Education
6. The Role of Career in Cricket (CIC) in Supporting This Growth
After India’s 2025 victory, interest in women’s cricket skyrocketed — but guidance and access were still major challenges for beginners.
That’s where CareerInCricket.com stepped in.
At Career in Cricket (CIC), we’re helping bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity.
On CIC, players can:
- Find verified academies that train female players
- Get updates on trials, WPL selections, and tournaments
- Read career blogs and success stories
- Learn from expert cricket coaches and fitness professionals
CIC is making sure that every girl who dreams of cricket has a platform to start right — safely, confidently, and professionally.
7. The Future – Beyond 2025
The 2025 World Cup win is just the beginning.
With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) growing stronger, new academies opening up, and players getting international recognition, the next generation of cricketers is already in motion.
Today, when a little girl picks up a bat, she doesn’t just dream —
she believes.
And that’s the real victory of Indian women’s cricket.
Conclusion
From playing on dusty maidans to shining on world stages, Indian women’s cricket has traveled a journey full of courage, resilience, and pride.
The 2025 World Cup win wasn’t just a sports achievement — it was a cultural revolution that proved women can rule the pitch too.
If you or someone you know dreams of becoming the next Smriti Mandhana or Harmanpreet Kaur —
👉 Visit CareerInCricket.com today.
Discover the best academies, get professional training, and start your cricket career the right way.
Because tomorrow’s World Cup champion could be you.
