The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has promised a collective INR 51 crore to the players, coaches, medical staff and selectors after India’s maiden senior Women’s World Cup title on Sunday. Separate from that, the squad will pocket the ICC’s official winners’ cheque of USD 4.48 million (roughly INR 40 crore).
“On behalf of the board, I congratulate the Indian women’s cricket team on this historic world championship victory,” BCCI president Mithun Manhas said. “The team’s resilience, talent and togetherness have lifted our nation’s hopes. This triumph vindicates the investment and faith the BCCI placed in building a world-class women’s programme.”
The final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium drew a crowd of 39,555 and, true to form, produced a bit of everything. Asked to bat first, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side pieced together 298 for 7. Shafali Verma’s busy 87 from 78 deliveries set the platform, while middle-order nudges and a late flurry from Richa Ghosh edged the total just shy of 300—a number that often feels psychologically important in one-day cricket.
South Africa, who had chased with authority all tournament, looked in the hunt while captain Laura Wolvaardt compiled a measured hundred. Yet Deepti Sharma, later named Player of the Tournament, tilted the contest with a clever five-for, mixing flight and pace on a surface that offered modest turn. The Proteas were dismissed for 246, handing India a 52-run win and, with it, an overdue global crown.
“This phenomenal achievement is the result of relentless preparation, flawless execution and the unshakable belief of our women cricketers,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said. “The coaching staff, support personnel and every state association have played a role. Congratulations to each and every member of the team. This team has made the entire cricket fraternity proud.”
Until now India’s cabinet contained only the 2023 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Twice—2005 and 2017—the seniors had fallen at the final hurdle. Breaking that pattern matters, not solely for the silverware but for the statement it sends to young players and sponsors alike. Defeating Australia in the semi-final, then South Africa in the decider, has answered long-standing questions about temperament under pressure.
A quick glance ahead: domestic contracts are due for renewal this winter, and the BCCI’s financial gesture hints that central deals may climb. Equally, the Women’s Premier League, into its third season, now has a national triumph to capitalise on. The momentum is there; the next task is to ensure it lasts longer than one memorable evening in Navi Mumbai.
