The resounding success of the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup, hosted by India, has been widely celebrated as a watershed moment for women's cricket globally. India's historic victory over South Africa in the final at Navi Mumbai, securing their first-ever World Cup title, was the culmination of years of strategic groundwork and investment in the sport. ICC Chairman Jay Shah, formerly the BCCI secretary, has been credited with playing a pivotal role in this transformation, emphasizing his long-held passion for women's cricket.
Shah's journey in cricket administration began in 2009, giving him first-hand experience of the challenges faced by women cricketers. Recognizing the disparities, Shah championed significant initiatives during his tenure as BCCI Secretary from 2019 to 2024. These included expanding domestic structures, launching elite-level competitions such as the Women's Premier League (WPL), and ensuring improved infrastructure.
One of the most impactful decisions under Shah's leadership was the implementation of pay parity between male and female cricketers. This groundbreaking move, which saw women earning the same per-match remuneration as their male counterparts (₹15 lakh for Tests, ₹6 lakh for ODIs, and ₹3 lakh for T20s), sent a powerful message about equality and respect. Investment in women's cricket also increased dramatically, with a 16-fold rise during Shah's five-year stewardship.
The Women's Premier League (WPL), launched in 2023, has also been a game-changer. Inspired by the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the WPL has provided women cricketers with a professional platform to hone their skills, gain international exposure, and achieve financial stability. The league has not only elevated the profile of women's cricket in India but has also inspired young girls to pursue their dreams in the sport.
As ICC Chairman, Shah has continued to advocate for gender equality across the sport. Under his leadership, the ICC announced a landmark increase in prize money for the Women's World Cup, signaling a commitment to treating women cricketers on par with their male peers. The total prize pool for the 2025 Women's World Cup was a record $13.88 million, exceeding even the prize money for the 2023 Men's Cricket World Cup. The winners, India, took home $4.48 million, while the runners-up, South Africa, received $2.24 million.
The success of the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup is a testament to the vision and dedication of individuals like Jay Shah, who recognized the potential of women's cricket and worked tirelessly to create a level playing field. The reforms implemented under his leadership have not only transformed the landscape of women's cricket in India but have also set a new standard for gender equality in sports globally. This victory represents the culmination of decades of persistence and faith, marking a shift from underfunded beginnings to equal pay and global success. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of INR 51 crore for the players, support staff and selection committee.
