India captain highlights growing recognition, infrastructure boost and rising fan engagement after historic triumph
Punjab Newsline,Sports:
India women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has described the transformation in visibility and recognition of women’s cricket following the team’s historic victory in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup as a “great feeling”, underlining how a major title has reshaped the landscape of the sport in the country.
After lifting the prestigious trophy at DY Patil Stadium, women’s cricket in India witnessed an unprecedented surge in attention, appreciation and fan following. Harmanpreet noted that the team always believed success at the global stage would bring meaningful change, and now experiencing that shift firsthand has been deeply rewarding.
In a significant recognition of her contribution, a 1,500-plus seating section at the upcoming Omaxe State Stadium in Dwarka has been named the “Harmanpreet Kaur Stand”. This initiative is part of India’s first dedicated ‘Pink Stand’, aimed at encouraging more female spectators to attend matches and feel equally welcomed in stadium environments.
The Indian skipper emphasised that while conversations around women playing sports have grown, equal focus must also be given to improving the experience of female fans. She praised the initiative as a progressive step towards inclusivity, hoping it will inspire more young girls to engage with the sport both as players and supporters.
Looking ahead, Harmanpreet also stressed the importance of strong infrastructure — including quality stadiums, academies and training facilities — to support the next generation of cricketers. She highlighted that better resources will help young players avoid the struggles faced by earlier generations.
With India already clinching major ICC titles in 2026, the focus now shifts to the upcoming 2026 Women's T20 World Cup in England. Harmanpreet credited the Board of Control for Cricket in India for its continued investment in women’s cricket, stating that consistent support across all levels is now translating into historic success on the global stage.