Women’s cricket in India is just about to boom and take off: Steve Waugh

Published - 07 Nov 2025, 19:34 IST | Updated - 07 Nov 2025, 21:13 IST

Former Australian cricketer Steve Waugh has predicted a major boost to women's cricket in India now that India have a Women's World Cup title to their name. The Women in Blue recently scripted history by winning their maiden Women's World Cup title. This was attained on Sunday, November 2, when they defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the summit clash in Navi Mumbai.

Waugh commended the manner in which the Harmanpreet Kaur-led unit bounced back after three back-to-back defeats in the league phase. He also hailed the World Cup-winning squad to be role models for the aspiring young girls of the country.

“I think women’s sport in general is taking off all around the world, and it’s great to see. India winning the World Cup is a fantastic achievement, especially after losing a couple of games earlier and then performing so well in the big matches. They now have enormous support and are role models for young girls in India. There’s a clear pathway to playing professional sport, representing your country, and being a professional cricketer. I think women’s cricket in India is just about to boom and take off," stated Waugh, as quoted by India Today.

India finished fourth after the completion of the round-robin stage with seven points from as many matches. They claimed three wins and lost as many. Their last league match against Bangladesh ended without a result due to rain.

President Murmu congratulates Indian women on WC triumph

A record chase 339-run chase by the co-hosts against Australia at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy meant India were to face South Africa in the all-important final at the same venue. A clinical performance on the day meant India joined the likes of England and New Zealand to win the Women's World Cup on their home soil.

India's next assignment in women's cricket will be their all-format tour to Australia next year. The series will comprise three T20Is, three ODIs and one Test. Before that, almost the entire women's team and other Indian cricketers will feature in the fourth instalment of the Women's Premier League. The mega auction for the same will be held on November 27 in New Delhi.