It was a celebration that truly knew no bounds. India’s women’s cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, clinched their maiden ICC Women’s One-Day World Cup title in front of a jubilant home crowd, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final. The triumph not only marked a historic moment for Indian cricket but also prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to announce an astonishing cash reward for the world champions.
Playing at Navi Mumbai, India put up an impressive total of 298 runs, thanks to commanding performances from Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma. No team had ever successfully chased more than 167 runs in a Women’s World Cup final — and South Africa’s spirited effort, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s valiant century, ultimately fell short at 246 runs.
This victory marked India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup crown and sparked nationwide celebrations. BCCI Secretary Debajit Saikia described the triumph as a turning point in the country’s cricketing history. Speaking to ANI, he said, “This victory is not just about winning a match — it is a defining moment that will reshape the future of women’s cricket in India.”
He added, “This success will inspire the next generation of women cricketers. It represents a monumental step forward for the sport and for gender equality in Indian cricket.”
To honour the historic achievement, the BCCI has announced a cash reward of ₹51 crore (approximately 71 crore Bangladeshi taka) for the champion team. The amount will be distributed among players, coaches, and support staff.
In addition to the BCCI’s reward, Team India will also receive around ₹55 crore from the ICC — the largest prize money ever awarded in women’s cricket history.
| Category | Reward Amount (INR) | Equivalent in BDT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCCI Cash Prize | ₹51 crore | ≈ Tk 71 crore | BCCI |
| ICC Prize Money | ₹55 crore | ≈ Tk 76 crore | ICC |
India’s triumph has not only brought glory to the nation but has also reaffirmed the rapid progress of women’s cricket globally. For players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the victory represents years of dedication, resilience, and the rise of a new era in Indian sport.
