Record-breaking crowd at ICC Women’s World Cup opener between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati

The ICC Women’s World Cup opener between India and Sri Lanka at Barsapara Stadium witnessed an attendance of 24,803 spectators — the highest ever in the history of any ICC Women’s World Cup. The previous highest was recorded at 15,935 in Dubai during the 2024 T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan.

Despite rain interrupting the match for nearly 80 minutes, the fans braved the conditions to cheer for the cricketers. During the innings break, Bollywood singer Shreya Ghosal gave a 13-minute performance dedicated to Zubeen Garg, blending a medley of his hits with the World Cup theme song, 'Bring It Home. The eye-catching 18-minute show added more fervour among the fans.

Earlier, the day started with a deeply moving musical tribute to Assam’s beloved icon, the late Zubeen Garg. Acclaimed musicians Papon, Joi Barua, and the renowned Shillong Chamber Choir delivered stirring renditions of his most celebrated works, honouring his legacy in front of an emotional home crowd.

The BCCI also took the opportunity to honour 16 former Indian women cricketers, including ICC Hall of Famers Diana Eduljee and Neetu David, and former captains Shanta Rangaswamy, Pramila Bhatt, Purnima Rau, Anjum Chopra and Mithali Raj.

This competition has been earmarked by many as a game-changer for women’s cricket in India, with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar emphasising the importance of the tournament.

“I must acknowledge the strides made in the past few years,” he stated to the ICC team. “The Women’s Premier League has been nothing short of a game-changer. It has provided the platform, visibility, and financial security that generations of women cricketers could only dream of.

“A lot of credit must go to Jay Shah, who, during his time as BCCI secretary, pushed for equal match fees for men and women and laid the foundation for the WPL.”

“These steps may appear administrative on paper, but in reality, they change lives. They tell every aspiring young girl that her passion is valued equally. I also want to thank the ICC for announcing record prize money for this tournament, even surpassing what was on offer for the men’s World Cup in 2023. Symbolically and practically, it sends a powerful message, that women’s cricket deserves not just applause, but equal respect,” issued the ICC.