Legendary former Australian captain Steve Waugh has commended the Indian women’s cricket team for their historic victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, hailing it as a significant moment for women’s sports globally. Waugh believes that India’s win will inspire young girls across the nation to pursue professional cricket careers, marking a monumental shift in the landscape of women’s sports.
After enduring heartbreaking losses in the 2005 and 2017 finals, India realized their dream of clinching the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title. In a dominant performance, they secured a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final, propelled by outstanding displays from Shafali Verma (87 runs and 2/36) and Deepti Sharma (58 runs and 5/39). These stellar performances have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket history, resonating with millions of fans worldwide.
Expressing his thoughts, Waugh stated, “The surge in women’s sports globally is remarkable, and India’s World Cup triumph is a phenomenal achievement, especially considering their resilient comeback after initial setbacks. They have garnered immense support and stand as role models for aspiring young female athletes in India, paving a clear path towards professional cricket careers and national representation. The future of women’s cricket in India looks incredibly promising and poised for substantial growth.”
With this victory, India has joined the elite group of Australia, England, and New Zealand as ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup champions, achieving this feat on home soil, similar to England and New Zealand’s previous triumphs.
Deepti Sharma, the standout performer, was honored as the Player of the Tournament. She made history by becoming the first player in Women’s World Cup history to amass over 200 runs and take more than 20 wickets in a single edition, culminating in a match-winning performance with figures of five for 39 in the final.