Former Indian cricketer and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has said that the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup in India has the potential to change the face of women’s cricket. He compared it to the men’s 1983 World Cup triumph, which sparked a cricketing revolution in India.

The tournament begins on Tuesday, and according to Tendulkar, it is more than just a competition for a trophy. He believes it can ignite the dreams of young girls across the country and elevate women's cricket to new heights.

Lessons from the past

Tendulkar reflected on the turning points in India’s cricket history. Writing in his column for the ICC, he recalled how India’s unexpected 1983 World Cup victory inspired millions of youngsters to take up cricket.

"That win told an entire generation of young Indians that dreams need not be constrained by boundaries," Tendulkar wrote.

He shared a personal memory from his early years as a ball boy during the 1987 World Cup. "Standing on the sidelines that day, watching heroes up close, I resolved that one day I too would wear that India jersey," he said.

The cusp of a new era

Nearly forty years later, Tendulkar feels women's cricket in India is ready for its own defining moment.

"Now, nearly four decades later, I sense that women's cricket in India stands on the cusp of its own watershed moment. The upcoming ICC Women's World Cup will not just be about chasing a trophy; it will be about igniting countless dreams," he said.

He imagined how the tournament could inspire young girls from different parts of the country. "Somewhere in Moga, a teenage girl might be clutching her bat tighter, hoping to emulate her idol Harmanpreet Kaur. In Sangli, another girl might be practising her drives, daring to dream like Smriti Mandhana."

Harmanpreet Kaur's defining innings

Tendulkar praised current stars who have helped bring women’s cricket to the spotlight. He recalled Harmanpreet Kaur’s historic knock in the 2017 World Cup semi-final against Australia.

"I still remember vividly Harmanpreet's magnificent 171 against Australia in the 2017 World Cup. It was not just an innings; it was a statement," Tendulkar said.

He described it as a turning point. "The sheer audacity of her strokeplay, the clarity of her mind, and the courage in her heart took women's cricket in India into a new orbit. That was the moment when many stopped seeing women's cricket as a sideshow—it became centre stage."

Smriti Mandhana as a symbol of modern India

The batting great also spoke highly of Smriti Mandhana’s rise as one of India’s most important players.

"Smriti, too, has become one of the most important and experienced members of this side. There is a silken grace to her batting, a natural rhythm in the way she times the ball," he said.

Tendulkar highlighted her record-breaking 50-ball century against Australia. "That record-breaking 50-ball century against Australia was a resounding message that Indian women can dominate at the very highest level. She is not just an elite batter, but a symbol of modern India's confidence."

ICC’s bold move with prize money

Tendulkar also appreciated the ICC for setting a new standard by announcing record prize money for this tournament.

"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," he wrote.

He said this decision sends a strong message. "Symbolically and practically, it sends a powerful message—that women's cricket deserves not just applause, but equal respect."

More than just a tournament

According to Tendulkar, the Indian women’s team has a far bigger role to play than just competing on the field. "They will not just be representing India in a sporting contest. They will be carrying with them the hopes of millions, the possibility of inspiring a generation, and the power to redefine what is achievable," he said.

He compared this moment to 1983. "Just as 1983 gave Indian cricket a new identity, I believe this World Cup can do the same for women's cricket in India."

Tournament opener

The ICC Women's World Cup will kick off on Tuesday, September 30. In the opening match, India will face Sri Lanka in Guwahati. As the tournament begins, expectations are high that it could mark the start of a new era for women’s cricket in India and across the world.