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| Indian women's cricket team celebrating with World Cup trophy after historic victory. |
Image Source: News18
Historic Triumph: BCCI Announces Record ₹51 Crore Reward for India's Women Cricket Team After Maiden World Cup Victory
In a moment that will forever be etched in golden letters in the history of Indian sports, the nation's women cricketers have scripted a glorious new chapter, lifting their maiden ICC World Cup trophy and ending a wait that has lasted generations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in a fitting tribute to this monumental achievement, has announced a staggering cash reward of ₹51 crore for the triumphant team, a historic prize that echoes the nation's overwhelming joy and pride. This isn't just a victory; it's a cultural reset for women's sports in India, a moment where years of perseverance, heartbreak, and unwavering dedication have finally culminated in the ultimate glory, washing away the painful memories of the near-misses in 2005 and 2017.
The emotional announcement came from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who drew a powerful parallel to one of Indian cricket's most seminal moments. "In 1983, Kapil Dev brought about a new era and encouragement in cricket by making India win the World Cup. The same excitement and encouragement has been introduced by the women today," Saikia told ANI, his words resonating with millions. "Harmanpreet Kaur and her team have not just won the trophy today, they have won the hearts of all Indians. They have paved the way for the next generation of women cricketers." This statement underscores a profound shift, acknowledging that this victory is more than a sporting win; it's a beacon of inspiration that will ignite dreams in countless young girls across the country, showing them that the sky is the limit.
This landmark financial reward is the culmination of a conscious and transformative effort by the BCCI to elevate women's cricket to the pedestal it deserves. Saikia highlighted the revolutionary changes ushered in under the leadership of Jay Shah, "Since Jay Shah took charge of the BCCI... he has brought about many transformations in women's cricket. Pay parity was also addressed." In a monumental move for the global game, the ICC, under Chairman Jay Shah, recently increased the women's prize money by a staggering 300 per cent, from $2.88 million to $14 million. This World Cup win, backed by these empowering policies, marks the dawn of a truly new era for the sport.
The final against South Africa was a nail-biting spectacle of courage and skill, a roller-coaster of emotions that kept a billion hearts racing. After being put in to bat, India's innings was built on a magnificent foundation laid by the explosive Shafali Verma (87 off 78 balls) and the elegant Smriti Mandhana (45 off 58), who set the stage with a century partnership. Just when the momentum needed a final push, Deepti Sharma's all-round brilliance shone through. First, she played a crucial, composed knock of 58 runs, partnering with Richa Ghosh for a explosive finish that propelled India to a formidable 298/7.
The Proteas, led by their inspirational captain Laura Wolvaardt (a magnificent 101 off 98 balls), fought valiantly, staging a comeback that threatened to shatter Indian dreams once again. But this was a team forged in resilience. The game’s defining moment arrived from the golden arm of Deepti Sharma, who produced a spell for the ages. With South Africa rebuilding, Deepti broke the dangerous 61-run stand, removing Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen in a game-changing over. She didn't stop there, etching her name in history by becoming the first Indian woman to take a five-wicket haul in a World Cup final (5/39), bulldozing the South African lower order and sealing a historic 52-run victory. As the final wicket fell, it wasn't just the stumps that were shattered; it was the glass ceiling that had hovered over women's cricket for far too long. This was a victory for every little girl who has ever dared to pick up a bat, a triumph that proves that with belief and support, anything is possible.
Source: Press Interaction with BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia (ANI), ICC Match Report, and Official BCCI Communication.