Mumbai, November 3, 2025 – Jubilant scenes erupted at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport as the Indian women's cricket team touched down, fresh from their historic ICC Women's Cricket World Cup victory. The team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated South Africa by 52 runs in a thrilling final held at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. This momentous win marks India's first-ever World Cup title in women's cricket, ending a near 50-year wait since their debut match in 1976.
As the players emerged from the arrival gates, they were greeted by a sea of fans, family members, and media personnel. The air crackled with excitement, chants of "India! India!" reverberating through the airport. Dhol beats and the waving of the Indian tricolor added to the festive atmosphere as the victorious team made their way through the crowd.
The heroes of the hour, Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma, were particularly celebrated. Verma, who was named Player of the Match for her outstanding 87 runs and two wickets, expressed her joy at contributing to the team's success. Sharma, who took the final wicket and finished with impressive figures of 5-39, was also lauded for her crucial half-century earlier in the innings.
Harmanpreet Kaur, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd, dedicating the trophy to her parents and the entire nation. "We were waiting for this moment, and now this moment has come," she said. "Now we want to make this a habit."
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to finalize plans for a victory parade, with decisions expected after senior officials return from ICC meetings in Dubai scheduled from November 4-7. "Nothing like a victory parade is planned as of now," BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told IANS from the Mumbai airport. "I'm leaving for Dubai to attend the ICC meeting. Several officials are heading there as well, so once we return, we will plan accordingly."
Celebrations have also poured in from Bollywood celebrities and prominent figures across the country. Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, and Anushka Sharma were among the many who took to social media to congratulate the team on their historic achievement.
The victory is not just a sporting achievement but also a significant moment for women's cricket in India, inspiring countless young girls to pursue their dreams in the sport. Jemimah Rodrigues, whose remarkable innings led India to the final, exemplifies this inspiration, embodying the spirit of "I am possible". The team's success signifies a shift, encouraging more support and recognition for women in sports.
This World Cup win represents a culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the Indian women's cricket team. Overcoming past setbacks and near misses, they have finally broken the barrier and etched their names in history. As Harmanpreet Kaur rightly said, their next plan is to make winning a habit, ushering in a new era for Indian women's cricket.
