The euphoria across India hasn’t died down since the Indian women’s cricket team lifted the ODI World Cup for the first time. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side etched their names in history with a thrilling win over South Africa in the final, sparking celebrations that swept from dressing rooms to every corner of the country. Governments, brands, and celebrities joined in the applause, promising rewards, bonuses, and endorsements for the triumphant team.
Yet, amid the jubilation, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has offered a note of caution. Reflecting on his own experience from the 1983 men’s World Cup win, Gavaskar reminded the players not to pin their hopes too high on every promise made in the aftermath of their victory.
“Just a word of caution to the girls. Please don’t get disappointed if some of the promised awards don’t come to you. In India, advertisers, brands, and individuals are quick to jump on the bandwagon and try and get free publicity for themselves on the shoulders of the winners,” Gavaskar wrote in his Mid-Day column.
“Have a look at the full-page advertising and hoardings congratulating the team. Unless they are team and individual players’ sponsors, the rest are only trying to promote their brands or themselves and giving nothing to the ones who have brought glory to Indian cricket.”
Following the World Cup triumph, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash prize of INR 51 crore, alongside the INR 40 crore the team will receive from the ICC. Several players, including Richa Ghosh, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, have also been promised rewards by various state governments.
However, Gavaskar’s message serves as a reminder of how easily enthusiasm can fade once the headlines pass. “The 1983 team also were made many promises with loads of coverage in the media then. Almost all never materialised,” he recalled.
“The media can’t be blamed, as they were happy to carry the lofty announcements, not realising that they also were being used by these shameless people. So, girls, don’t fret if these shameless ones are using your win to promote themselves.”
The former India captain’s words strike a familiar chord—one born of experience, not cynicism. For every announcement and congratulatory billboard, he emphasized, the real reward lies in something far more enduring.
“The 1983 guys will tell you that so many decades down the line, the love and affection of the simple Indian cricket lover is our greatest wealth, and so it will be yours too, when you also put your feet up,” Gavaskar concluded. “Heartiest congratulations once again. The nation is proud of you. Jai Hind.”
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