Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur received a grand welcome at Velammal Nexus School in Chennai after leading India to their first-ever Women’s World Cup title in 2025. A video shared by ANI showed her entering the school with loud cheers all around. She also cut a cake to celebrate India’s historic victory.

Harmanpreet made history by becoming the first captain of the Indian women’s cricket team to win a World Cup in any format. India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final of the 50-over World Cup at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. India delivered two outstanding performances against a very strong Australia and South Africa to win the trophy in the World Cup Final.

The Indian captain also batted well during the tournament, amassing 260 runs in nine matches at an average of 32.50 and a strike rate of 89.04. One of her most important knocks came in the semi-final against Australia; she scored 89 runs. This helped India successfully chase 339 runs and enter the final by defeating the defending champions.

Harmanpreet Felicitated in Chennai; Talks About Changing View of Women’s Cricket

At the school, Harmanpreet was welcomed with traditional dhol beats and was presented with a huge garland. She even joined a short practice session with young girls, inspiring them with her presence. After the welcome, she took part in a Q&A session with students. During the interaction, she said she was happy that people no longer compare men’s and women’s cricket. She added that high viewership and full stadiums for women’s matches made her proud. “It is good to see that now people only talk about cricket without comparing. Now everyone enjoys and the viewership is high; stadiums are full. It is a proud moment,” she said, as quoted by ANI.

Watch the video here

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu | Harmanpreet Kaur, the Captain of the Indian Women's Cricket Team, arrives at Velammal Nexus School in Chennai, where she will be felicitated for her remarkable achievement in winning the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. pic.twitter.com/SnDJQYjtWu

— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2025

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India’s 2025 World Cup win was very special because it was their first title and came on home soil. The team had a tough journey, winning the first two matches but then losing three in a row. They rebounded with a massive victory over New Zealand, progressing to the semi-final, where an excellent innings by Jemimah Rodrigues saw India chase 339 against Australia. In the final, solid starts from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma helped India set a target of 299. Despite Laura Wolvaardt’s century for South Africa, India held their nerve and bowled them out for 246, winning the match by 52 runs.

Cricket enthusiasts of Siliguri and North Bengal have reasons to enjoy as the city will now get its new cricket stadium, named after their city girl, Richa Ghosh, the wicket-keeper batter of the women’s World Cup 2025 winner. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in Siliguri, declared that the stadium would be named after Richa.

Richa has overall smashed 1145 runs in 49 innings of the Women’s ODIs at an average of 29.35 and a strike rate of 103.90 with the help of seven half-centuries at the best score of 96. In the final, the right-handed batter clubbed 34 runs against South Africa at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

See Also: “Not getting runs for…”- Former BCCI selector slams India’s back-up batters ahead of South Africa series

“We have decided to build a cricket stadium in Siliguri. It will be named after Richa Ghosh. I have asked Mayor Gautam Deb to oversee the project that would come up at Chandmoni. Around 27 acres of land have been identified for the project.” Mamata, while interacting at a government function in Uttarkanya, the state’s branch secretariat, expressed.

West Bengal CM promises new cricket stadium in Darjeeling after Richa Ghosh

The announcement has fulfilled a longstanding demand of Siliguri’s cricket lovers. The lack of a proper stadium in the region has deprived promising players of chances to train and perform. Apart from Richa, Siliguri has produced Wriddhiman Saha, another keeper from the same region. The only major sports venue in the city, Kanchenjunga Stadium, spans seven acres.

“Richa, a member of the Indian women’s cricket team that brought glory to the nation, was felicitated both in her hometown and in Calcutta by the state government and the Cricket Association of Bengal. We want this stadium to be dedicated to her so that people remember her achievements and draw inspiration from her success.” Richa addressed.

We will shortly introduce 10 buses to reach children from the tea estates to their schools. The Centre has time and again said that it will reopen closed tea estates, but it is the state government that has recently opened 24 such estates.” Wriddhiman Saha’s former coach, Jayanta Bhowmick, shed light.

After leading India to a historic Women’s World Cup victory, captain Harmanpreet Kaur is all set to be honored by the Punjab government. However, instead of a promotion to Superintendent of Police (SP), she will receive a cash prize for her remarkable achievement.

The Punjab government has reportedly decided to reward the three players from the state, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur, who were part of India’s title-winning team with ₹1.5 crore each. In addition, both Harleen and Amanjot are expected to receive government job offers as recognition for their contribution to India’s maiden Women’s ODI World Cup win.

According to a report by Tribune India, even though Harmanpreet led the team to glory, she will not be given an immediate promotion. Currently serving as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), she must complete the required number of years in service before becoming eligible for promotion to SP.

Punjab Government Plans Felicitation Ceremony for World Cup Heroes

Reports suggest that while the Punjab government is exploring ways to give her a special honour, a direct promotion at this stage is not possible under existing service rules. Interestingly, hockey star Manpreet Singh, who also serves as a DSP, has been waiting for his promotion to SP since 2021, despite previous announcements.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to felicitate Harmanpreet, Harleen, and Amanjot in a special ceremony once the captain returns to Punjab. Sources say that all arrangements for the event are ready, and an official announcement will be made soon.

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Harmanpreet's police career has been one of ups and downs. In 2018, she had been demoted from DSP to a constable after her degree, which was from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, was declared invalid. At that time, it was not UGC-recognised. In 2024, after completing her degree through Lovely Professional University, Harmanpreet was reinstated as DSP.

Despite these challenges, Harmanpreet Kaur continues to be one of India's most successful and respected cricketers. India went on to beat South Africa in the final of the 2025 World Cup under her captaincy at the DY Patil Stadium-a proud moment for the whole nation-to bring home the country's first-ever Women's World Cup title.

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.

India’s spin bowling all-rounder, Deepti Sharma, who made a crucial contribution to claim the maiden Women’s World Cup 2025 by beating South Africa in the final of the event at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai last Sunday, offered prayers at the Shre Mahakaleshwar Temple on November 09 with her family.

Deepti, who also serves as the DSP in the Uttar Pradesh Police, participated in aarti and was felicitated by the temple officials during her visit. Last month, she was incredible with both bat and ball for the Indian women's side by leading them to a historic victory at home. She was also rewarded the Player of the Tournament for being consistent with both bat and ball in hand.

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Deepti Sharma became the first player to achieve the double of 200 runs and 20 wickets in the 50-over World Cup in both men’s and women’s cricket. With the bat, the southpaw clubbed 215 runs in seven innings at an average of just over 30, and a striker ate of 90 to celebrate three fifties at the best score of 58.

Watch: Deepti Sharma prays at Ujjain’s Temple with family post Women’s World Cup 2025 victory

With the ball, the off-spinner pocketed 22 wickets in nine innings at an average of over 20, with a match-winning fifty and five-wicket haul in the final. During the final of the Women’s World Cup against the Proteas, she collected a run-a-ball 58 and formed the crucial partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh later in the innings.

 

 

 

 

 

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“There have been a lot of changes since 2017. And I would like to say that if we play more matches from now on, it will be good. And finally, I would like to dedicate this trophy to my mom and dad. As a team, we feel so good after this result. I always enjoy whatever department I'm in. Whatever situation I'm in, because I like challenges.” Sharma expressed after the final.

Overall, Deepti has cracked 2739 runs in Women’s ODIs in 103 innings at an average of 37.01 and a strike rate of 70.64 with the help of 18 fifties and one century at the best score of 188.

Harmanpreet Kaur has had a superb time in the last week as she became the third Indian captain, along with MS Dhoni and Kapil Dev, to lift the ODI World Cup for the Blue Brigade. They beat South Africa in the final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai as the Laura Wolvaardt side couldn’t complete the 299-run chase.

But the social media sparked controversy as an account on social media has accused Harmanpreet Kaur of being a lesbian tag. This happened after the right-handed batter, Harmanpreet Kaur, posted a story on Nupur Kashyap’s birthday on Instagram, as the social media account made a stunning comment.

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“She is her best friend, also her girlfriend. They are partners. 2023 birthday post, she wrote Happy Birthday, my whole world for Nupoor. After four hours, she removed it. Because people criticized her. That’s why now she wrote only the best friend world. Her real fans know about it better. Being gay is not a shameful thing. She has stayed with her (Harman) since before 2008. Now, they are living together.” Social media fans expressed on X (Formerly known as Twitter).

Social media sparks new controversy with shocking claim of ‘lesbian’ for Harmanpreet Kaur

Noopur Kashyap is the owner of Repeat7, a company specializing in sports management and athlete representation, where she serves as the talent manager for Kaur. She is responsible for managing Kaur’s career, including customizing strategies to build her brand and profile.

harmanpreet kaur Insta story. pic.twitter.com/GkBHDo2PUH

— Rakesh Choudhary (@realRakesh0) November 8, 2025

“Sharing their properties, lives, sadness, happiness, and all. Nupoor has stayed with Harman since before Harman’s publicity. She is her backbone. Now don’t ask how I know. I have followed both of them since 2018, and I also followed them using my mom’s Instagram account. That time I saw all their stories and all the posts since 2016. These words for Nupoor. Deserves respect.” The social media account has been added.

Harmanpreet wasn’t in great touch during the Women’s World Cup 2025 as she celebrated only two half-centuries against Australia and England in the tournament. She collected 260 runs in eight innings at an average of over 30.

I was today years old when I got to know that Harmanpreet is l*sbian😭. pic.twitter.com/oykFLlL7hJ

— mutual.stark (@mutualstark) November 8, 2025

The Indian women’s team has won its maiden ICC World Cup after beating South Africa in the final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Their captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, recalled the advice of the former player, Sachin Tendulkar, and others ahead of the final on November 02. 

In the semifinal against Australia, the Blue Brigade completed a fine chase on the back of a fine century from Jemimah Rodrigues, who remained unbeaten on 127 runs as they beat the then-defending champions, who were unbeaten for the last two World Cups since losing the semi in the 2017 World Cup.

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“The night before the match, Sachin (Tendulkar) sir called. He shared his experience and asked us to keep our balance. When the game is going fast, just slow it down a little. Try to control it because when you go too fast, chances are you can stumble. That is what we need to avoid. I was just thinking of all the advice I was getting from the seniors.”

Harmanpreet Kaur reflects on Sachin Tendulkar’s suggestion ahead of the Women’s WC 2025 final

Harmanpreet recalled how different it feels to be called a world champion. After the final, they had a meeting with India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at the latter’s residence, when he lauded the players for their remarkable resilience and comeback in the event.

“Whenever we see each other, we are just saying, ‘world champion’. It is a very different feeling. We were waiting for the time when we would feel this way. My mother and father were there. For me, it was a very special moment to lift the World Cup trophy with them. Since my childhood, they have heard me say that I want to wear India’s jersey, play for the country, lead the team, and win the World Cup.” Kaur added in the ICC review.

“You all have done a very big job. In India, cricket is not just a game; it has become the life of the people. If everything goes well in cricket, the entire country feels good, but if there is anything wrong in cricket, the entire country shakes. I feel that you can be very motivational because you hold a great power of success in your hands.” PM Narendra Modi congratulated.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has shared a special video on the best spinning and pace deliveries of the recently concluded Women’s World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka, where the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side lifted their maiden title of the format, having beaten South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. 

In the video, the first member is Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner, Inoka Ranaweera, whose left-arm bowler bamboozled the right-handed batter of India, Jemimah Rodrigues, who went for the spin but the ball held its line to break the middle stump of the batter. The second member of the list was New Zealand’s Melie Kerr against Australia’s left-handed batter, Phoebe Litchefield.

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Kerr’s delivery pitched outside the leg stump of the southpaw and beat the batter’s edge to hit the off-stump. The third ball of the list was Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter against Pakistan’s Omaima Sohail, as the ball jagged back with the swing to breach the defense of the batter and break the top of the off-stump.

Watch: ICC shares glimpses of best spin and pace deliveries during Women’s World Cup 2025

England’s Linsey Smith was up against South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp, who looked to defend the left-arm spinner. But the ball went through the defense of the batter with the angle and broke the stumps. The best ball perhaps came from Nonkululeko Mlaba against India’s Harleen Deol, who looked to tuck the leg-side ball for a single, but the ball spun hugely to miss the batter’s outside edge and hit the stumps.

 

 

 

 

 

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India’s first member of the list was Sneh Rana, as Protea batter Kapp used her feet to get a single. But he was yorked as the Blue Brigade got a fine breakthrough in the defense. Bangladesh’s Rabeya Khan also baffled the White Ferns’ Melie Kerr, who was beaten on the pace to get bowled.

Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu also went through the defense of Annabel Sutherland from Australia. The right-handed batter couldn’t understand the pace of the ball. Masabata Klass was another pacer of the South Africa side who broke the stumps of Sri Lanka’s Hasini Perera.

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 ended last week when the Indian cricket team, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, beat South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. The entire tournament saw the players putting their lives on the line and showing some incredible acrobatics to grab stunning catches to send the batter back to the dugout.

The ICC has shared a video where they put on some incredible catches in the event. The first one was of Vishmi Gunaratne, who dived forward on the boundary to dismiss the Indian batter on the very first game of the event in Guwahati. Laura Wolvaardt, against New Zealand, took a stunner with one hand to dismiss the batter.

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Wolvaardt was excellent in keeping her shape and balance during the catch, besides making sure that the ball wouldn’t pop out of his hands. New Zealand’s Eden Carson, against Pakistan, dived into her right side to grab the cut shot of the batter.

Watch: ICC shares video of best catches from Women’s World Cup 2025 

The first Indian player to get selected in the video was their fast bowler, Kranti Gaud, who was bowling against the Proteas, whose batter couldn’t time the delivery, which perhaps stuck on the surface. Gaud, on his follow-on, kept her eyes on the ball and stretched her hands to keep the ball. Even though she fell on the floor, that wasn’t enough to get the ball out of her hand.

 

 

 

 

 

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Apart from that, the semifinal saw Jemimah Rodrigues grabbing a great catch off the bowling of Deepti Sharma against Australia to dismiss Beth Mooney, who used her feet to nail the ball into the extra cover. He perhaps looked to go over the fielder, where Rodrigues jumped to grab a one-handed blinder.

New Zealand’s Suzie Bates was another fielder who went back on her stance against Pakistan to take a catch. It was certainly tough to grab, but the veteran made it look so tough. Most of the video consisted of New Zealand fielders. The best moment and catch for the Indian fans would be of Amanjot Kaur, who took the most important catch to dismiss Wolvaardt in the final.

The Indian Women’s Cricket Team, winners of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, November 6. The President congratulated every member of the team and praised them for creating history with their outstanding World Cup win. She called their performance a proud moment for the entire country and said that the victory has made every Indian celebrate with joy.

President Murmu said that millions of Indians, both in India and abroad, are proud of the team’s success. She noted that by defeating the seven-time world champions, Australia, who were unbeaten before the final, the Indian women strengthened the nation’s faith in their talent and hard work. The President said that winning the final by such a big margin against a strong opponent showed the team’s skill, unity, and determination to bring glory to India.

On X (formerly Twitter), President Murmu shared her appreciation for the players. She wrote, “Members of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, winners of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President congratulated the team and said that they have created history and have become role models for the younger generation. She said that this team reflects India. They represent different regions, different social backgrounds, different circumstances but they are one Team, India.”

President Murmu Applauds Team’s Strength and Inspiration

The President emphasized that the members of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team have become role models for the youth, especially for girls across the nation. She said their success will inspire young women to chase their dreams with confidence and commitment. Murmu expressed faith that the same determination that led them to the World Cup win will continue to keep Indian cricket at the top in the years to come.

Members of the Indian Women Cricket team, winner of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President congratulated the team and said that they have created history and have become role models for younger generation.… pic.twitter.com/lHBBXRcPh5

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 6, 2025

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President Murmu also acknowledged the challenges the team had to face on their journey, moments of hope, doubt, and sleepless nights. She said their staying strong and focused in such situations showed the character of the players. Referring to the team's crucial win against New Zealand, she said it was then the belief grew stronger that India could go all the way. The President also complimented the coaching staff and the support team for their vital role in the success. She wished them more successes ahead and felicitated the winners for continuing to create new records of excellence for Team India.