Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has hailed the current momentum in women’s cricket as a defining moment for the sport in India, calling it a “watershed” phase that could reshape the game’s future. Speaking at the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 media campaign in Mumbai, Tendulkar emphasized that the growing visibility, investment, and grassroots participation in women’s cricket are signs of a long-overdue revolution.
“Women’s cricket in India stands on the cusp of its watershed moment. The talent is there, the hunger is there, and now the ecosystem is finally catching up. This is the time to nurture, invest, and celebrate our women cricketers,” Tendulkar said, addressing a packed auditorium of players, coaches, and media professionals.
His remarks come amid a surge in interest following India’s recent triumph in the ICC Women’s Asia Cup 2025, where the national team defeated Sri Lanka in a thrilling final. The win, coupled with the success of the inaugural WPL season, has sparked conversations about parity, infrastructure, and long-term planning for women’s cricket.
India Women’s Cricket – Recent Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Impact on Ecosystem |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Launch of Women’s Premier League (WPL) | Professional contracts, media visibility |
| 2023 | India reaches ICC Women’s T20 final | Boost in grassroots interest |
| 2024 | BCCI announces equal match fees | Step toward gender parity |
| 2025 | India wins ICC Women’s Asia Cup | National pride, commercial interest |
Tendulkar also praised the leadership of players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma, calling them “trailblazers who are inspiring a generation of girls to pick up the bat and ball.” He urged state associations to prioritize women’s cricket in their budgets and infrastructure plans.
“The future of cricket is inclusive. We must ensure that every girl who dreams of playing for India has access to coaching, facilities, and opportunities,” he added.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has responded to the growing demand by announcing a ₹250 crore investment plan for women’s cricket over the next three years. The funds will be directed toward stadium upgrades, academy development, and talent scouting in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
BCCI Women’s Cricket Investment Plan – 2025–2028
| Focus Area | Allocation (₹ crore) | Strategic Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Stadium Infrastructure | 100 | Dedicated women’s cricket venues |
| Grassroots Academies | 60 | Talent identification and training |
| Coaching & Support | 40 | Hiring specialized staff and physios |
| Domestic Tournaments | 30 | Expansion of inter-state competitions |
| Marketing & Promotion | 20 | Media campaigns and digital outreach |
Social media platforms have amplified Tendulkar’s message, with hashtags like #WomenCricketRising, #SachinSupportsWPL, and #HerGameToo trending across India. Fans and former players have echoed his sentiments, calling for structural reforms and sustained media coverage.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Women’s Cricket Push
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.9M mentions | 88% supportive | #WomenCricketRising #SachinSupportsWPL |
| 1.7M interactions | 85% inspired | #HerGameToo #CricketEquality | |
| 1.5M views | 90% celebratory | #WPL2025 #WomenInBlue | |
| YouTube | 1.3M views | 86% analytical | #WomenCricketExplained #SachinOnWPL |
Former India captain Mithali Raj also weighed in, stating that Tendulkar’s endorsement is a “game-changer” for women’s cricket. “When someone of his stature speaks, people listen. This will accelerate the momentum we’ve been building for years,” she said.
The WPL 2025 season is expected to feature six franchises, with matches scheduled across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad. Ticket sales have already crossed ₹12 crore in pre-bookings, and broadcasters are projecting a 40% increase in viewership compared to last year.
WPL 2025 – Franchise Overview
| Team Name | Star Players | Home Venue | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Queens | Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma | Wankhede Stadium | Charlotte Edwards |
| Bengaluru Blaze | Smriti Mandhana, Renuka Singh | Chinnaswamy Stadium | WV Raman |
| Ahmedabad Warriors | Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues | Narendra Modi Stadium | Lisa Keightley |
| Delhi Dynamos | Richa Ghosh, Pooja Vastrakar | Kotla Stadium | Anju Jain |
| Chennai Chargers | Yastika Bhatia, Rajeshwari Gayakwad | Chepauk Stadium | Sudha Shah |
| Kolkata Falcons | Meghna Singh, Harleen Deol | Eden Gardens | Jhulan Goswami |
Tendulkar concluded his address by urging corporate sponsors, media houses, and fans to treat women’s cricket with the same enthusiasm and respect as the men’s game. “This is not just about cricket—it’s about equality, opportunity, and national pride. Let’s make sure this watershed moment becomes a permanent transformation.”
As India’s women cricketers gear up for a packed calendar of domestic and international fixtures, the support from icons like Tendulkar could be the catalyst that propels the sport into a new era of recognition, investment, and excellence.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available statements, verified media reports, and expert commentary. It does not constitute endorsement or commercial advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
