Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the India Women's Cricket team secured their maiden ICC World Cup 2025 global title a week ago, defeating South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma’s celebrated all-rounder half-centuries posted a huge match-winning score on the board, while Laura Wolvaardt’s century wasn't enough to complete the chase against the determined Women in Blue.

The former Indian opener, Sunil Gavaskar, delivered a stark warning to the Women in Blue, reckoning the players shouldn't expect every cash prize promise made after their ICC World Cup 2025 triumph. He recalled how the 1983 World Cup victory against England was followed by wide media coverage and plenty of empty promises and incentives that never materialized for that global title-winning team.

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“(It’s) 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 to get free publicity for themselves on the shoulders of the winners.” Gavaskar wrote in his column.

Sunil Gavaskar compares India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 victory with 1983 experience

India Women began their ICC World Cup 2025 campaign with two league stage wins before three successive defeats to Australia, South Africa, and England nearly caused elimination. Their resurgence began with a crucial win over New Zealand, powering them to a knockout stage semi-final triumph over Australia, culminating in the final victory over the Proteas.

“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.” Gavaskar added in his column.

“The 1983 team also made many promises with loads of coverage in the media then. Almost all never materialized. The media can’t be blamed, as they were happy to carry the lofty announcements, not realizing 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 Indian opening batter shed light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Gavaskar's warning to the Women's World Cup winners?

Gavaskar warned the team not to expect every promised cash prize to materialize, based on his experience with "empty promises" after the 1983 World Cup.

Why did Gavaskar compare the win to the 1983 World Cup?

He compared the situations because in both instances, advertisers and brands immediately sought free publicity using the team's success without fulfilling promised rewards.

Which players starred in the World Cup 2025 final victory?

Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma scored half-centuries to post the match-winning total, securing the victory against South Africa.

What caused India's near elimination in the World Cup 2025?

India's campaign nearly ended after they suffered three successive league stage defeats against Australia, South Africa, and England.