Women’s World Cup

From giving up her endorsement fee to ensuring India’s women cricketers could chase their dreams, Mandira Bedi has witnessed a lot. From tackling sexism in the commentary box to speaking openly about mental health, she has always stood for equality.

He smashed 260 on his Ranji debut and scored over 11,000 first-class runs — yet never donned the Indian cap. Then, as coach of India’s women’s team, Amol Muzumdar turned belief into cricket’s biggest prize, its maiden Women’s World Cup title.

Before India’s women cricketers made history on the world stage, one man in Lucknow changed everything. In the 1970s, Mahendra Kumar Sharma went door to door to build India’s first Women’s Cricket Association — and the legacy lives on.

From small towns to big cities, India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 squad showcases rising stars and experienced players ready to shine on the global stage.

As the inspiring Vrinda Rathi says, when everyone around knows that you mean business at the center of the field, your gender does not matter. Kudos to her!

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director, shares her views on the contribution of sport to achieve gender equality and end violence against women and girls.