The stage is set for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, to be hosted across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, and all eyes are on Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.
This will be her fifth appearance in an ODI World Cup campaign, but significantly, her first as captain, as she looks to guide India toward an elusive maiden World Cup title. India, who has twice finished runners-up (2005 and 2017), will be aiming to turn years of promise into glory when the tournament returns to the subcontinent after 12 years, having last been hosted in 2013.
This year’s event will mark the fourth time India has hosted the Women’s World Cup, following 1978, 1997, and 2013. Fittingly, the tournament kicks off with hosts India taking on Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on September 30 from 3 PM IST. For Kaur, the weight of expectation is palpable, with the chance to lead India to their first-ever global crown at home.
Speaking at the Captains’ Day event, Harmanpreet reflected on the growing stature of the women’s game and the unique atmosphere surrounding this edition. “Every team in this World Cup has an equal chance to win, which shows how much we’ve raised the standard of women’s cricket,” she said, highlighting the competitiveness of the tournament.
She also acknowledged the impact of packed stadiums in recent years, a development that has breathed new energy into the women’s game in India. “We’ve also started seeing packed stadiums, which is something we really enjoy because we’ve never seen that before,” she added. With a passionate home crowd behind them, Kaur believes India will thrive under pressure. “A home World Cup is always special, and there are a lot of expectations from us. We’re going to see a lot of fans in the stadium cheering for us, and I am sure we’ll give our best.”
India enters the World Cup on the back of a mixed preparation phase. Most recently, they suffered a home ODI series defeat against Australia, with Alyssa Healy’s side clinching a thrilling series decider at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on September 20, sealing the game with 43 runs defending a total of 413 against the home side. But put up an equally challenging display throughout the series, including registering a win in the 2nd ODI.
Despite the loss, the game saw another personal milestone for the Indian captain. Harmanpreet’s fluent knock of 52 off 35 balls not only showcased her aggressive form but also made her the third Indian woman, after Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana, to cross 8,000 international runs, a testament to her enduring class on the world stage.
For Harmanpreet, this World Cup presents more than just an opportunity for silverware; it is also a defining chapter in her leadership journey. Having been part of India’s heartbreaking run to the finals in 2017, where they narrowly missed out against England, she now shoulders the responsibility of converting those near misses into a historic triumph. Her ability to inspire seasoned campaigners and youngsters alike will be central to India’s campaign.
With eight teams in the fray and a highly competitive field, Kaur’s words about balance and opportunity resonate strongly. The World Cup is no longer about one or two dominant sides; it is a tournament brimming with open possibilities, reflecting the ever-rising standard of women’s cricket globally.
As the opening day approaches, anticipation is soaring across India. The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is expected to be packed to the rafters when Harmanpreet Kaur’s India take their first step in search of glory against Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka. While challenges remain, be it form, consistency, or the burden of expectations, the skipper’s measured confidence suggests that India will embrace the occasion with intent.
For Harmanpreet, it is the culmination of years of resilience, leadership, and experience on the global stage. As the crowd roars with hope and belief, starting September 30, Indian cricket fans will look to their captain not just for runs, but for history.
(Quotes sourced from ICC Press Release)
Loves all things female cricket