With just four days left to go for the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025, the captains of all teams participating in the event expressed excitement.
Speaking during the Captains` meet, Team India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur spoke about how much the incumbent women players have raised the bar of women`s cricket.
“Representing your country is always a special moment for any player. But leading your country in an ODI World Cup is even more special for me. Every team in this World Cup has an equal chance to win, which shows how much we have raised the standard of women`s cricket,” said Team India skipper.
She is also hopeful of delivering their `A-game` in front of a jam-packed stadium and is well aware of the expectations from the home crowd.
“We`ve also started seeing packed stadiums, which is something we really enjoy because we`ve never seen that before. A home World Cup is always special, and there are a lot of expectations from us. We`re going to see a lot of fans in the stadium cheering for us, and I`m sure we`ll give our best,” Kaur told the media.
The “Women in Blue” will play their ODI Women`s World Cup 2025 opening match against Sri Lanka on September 30 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium.
The Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu also expressed similar emotions and is expecting to witness the vibrant atmosphere they had during the Asia Cup.
“We are playing on our home soil, and I know many Sri Lankans will be there to support us. We need that energy and encouragement, just like we experienced during the Asia Cup, where there were many spectators. I hope to see the same vibrant atmosphere in the stadiums during our World Cup matches. We want to enjoy the moment, taking it one game at a time. We do not want to put too much pressure on ourselves, but rather play our natural game freely. That is our intention,” she said.
Spanning five weeks, the tournament will feature 31 matches across five venues in India and Sri Lanka, culminating on November 2 with the crowning of a new World Cup champion.
(With ANI Inputs)