Historic ODI World Cup Launches in Guwahati Amid Mixed Emotions
The eagerly anticipated ODI Women’s World Cup has officially commenced in Guwahati, marking a significant moment for cricket fans around the globe. As Harmanpreet Kaur and Alyssa Healy helm the Indian and Australian teams for the first time in this prestigious tournament, they step into the shoes of legends Mithali Raj and Meg Lanning, who have now retired. For Nat Sciver-Brunt, this represents a fresh challenge as England’s skipper, while Chamari Athapaththu gears up for her inaugural 50-over ICC event in her home country.
The Unique Atmosphere of Guwahati During the World Cup
Though the World Cup should be a time of celebration, the vibrant city of Guwahati, along with the state of Assam, is enveloped in a somber mood following the passing of local beloved singer Zubeen Garg. Known not just for his music but also for his philanthropic contributions, Garg’s absence is felt deeply by the community. Adding to the somber atmosphere, the grand Durga Puja celebrations, traditionally marked by lively processions, have been curtailed significantly this year, further shifting the focus of the region.
Excitement Builds Despite Challenges
This unique emotional backdrop, however, does not diminish the excitement surrounding the ICC Women’s World Cup. Despite four of the five venues not hosting women’s matches in recent years, the eight competing teams are set to battle for a record prize pool of USD 13.8 million—significantly higher than the USD 10 million offered in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup. This marks a remarkable 12-year gap since the last Women’s ODI World Cup was held in the subcontinent, and expectations are high for the level of competition.
Insights from the Captains on Current Trends
As cricket continues to evolve, the impact of leagues such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and The Hundred is apparent. Athapaththu mentioned this shift, noting Sri Lanka’s earlier victory over India, which marked only their third win against them in ODIs. Similarly, India’s recent victory over Australia on home ground signifies changing dynamics in the sport.
“We are playing in the subcontinent, and that’s a good advantage for us,” said Athapaththu, reflecting on the match against India scheduled as the World Cup opener. “However, we must avoid pressure and focus on our game.”
A Journey of Growth and New Aspirations
Harmanpreet Kaur has experienced the transformation of women’s cricket firsthand, from sparsely filled venues to an overwhelming demand for tickets. Having faced crushing defeat in front of nearly 90,000 spectators during the 2020 T20 World Cup final in Melbourne, she now has the chance to rewrite her story in this edition of the tournament, potentially her last chance in a 50-over World Cup.
- “Earlier five fielders used to be outside, now there are four,” she humorously noted regarding the evolution in women’s cricket over the past decade.
- “We’re now playing in larger stadiums and witnessing regularly high scores over 300, which was unheard of before.”
She concludes, “The exponential growth of the women’s game has everybody buzzing.” Athapaththu echoed the enthusiasm, expressing hopes for an Asian nation to lift the trophy this year, emphasizing that it’s a privilege to compete at home. “Cricket is like a second religion in Asia; we all want to see an Asian team win,” she affirmed.
As India faces Sri Lanka in their opening match at the ACA Stadium on Tuesday, anticipation is building for what could usher in a new era in women’s cricket. The stage is set for unforgettable moments, and the world will be watching closely.
