The Indian women’s cricket team made history and the entire nation proud by winning the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2025. It’s especially a big moment for Maharashtra, as three of its leading cricketers made it to the World Cup-winning contingent and gave stellar performances at various stages of the tournament. The government of Maharashtra was prompt to felicitate the three cricketers from the state, with CM Fadnavis himself honouring them at a special felicitation ceremony. Sports is also an important aspect of the Fadnavis government’s comprehensive development agenda. Rewarding World Cup-winning cricketers is also to send a message to the younger generation of the state government’s commitment to promoting a vibrant sporting culture in the state, which will encourage them to pursue sports for a career.
Under the sports policy of Maharashtra created in 2012, cash rewards are provided to athletes from the state who achieve outstanding international results and to their mentors. The final match of the ICC ODI World Cup for women was held in Navi Mumbai on 2 November 2025, which saw the India women’s team making history by defeating South Africa by 52 runs to win the World Cup for the first time. Following this unprecedented achievement of the Indian women’s cricket team lifting the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, CM Fadnavis called a cabinet meeting on 4 November 2025 and announced that the victorious players from Maharashtra and their coaches in the team would be rewarded with cash incentives. Accordingly, on 7 November 2025 in Mumbai, the Chief Minister felicitated Smriti Mandhana (women’s team’s vice-captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, and Radha Yadav, along with the women’s team’s head coach Amol Muzumdar, at a special event. While the cash reward to each player was Rs 2.25 crore, the head coach received Rs 22.5 lakh. Other team members also received ₹11 lakh each and mementos on the occasion.
At the ceremony, Devendra Fadnavis was all praise for the performance of the Indian women’s cricket team and said that the team created history, displaying determination, discipline, and teamwork, besides, of course, individual excellence. He didn’t forget to mention that India reached the final in the 2017 Women’s World Cup too but failed to clinch it then. All three players from Maharashtra in the Indian team performed exceptionally well in the World Cup. Jemimah’s century in the semi-final led the team to the final. Smriti Mandhana is one of India’s most respected players today, and her journey is inspiring. Radha Yadav has made her mark with talent and hard work, while coach Amol Mazumdar’s strategies and training for the team were commendable. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also congratulated the current BCCI Secretary for the victory and praised the ICC President, Mr. Jay Shah, for promoting women’s cricket to new heights. This victory in the ICC ODI World Cup will inspire millions of girls in the country to pursue sports. The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that the Indian women’s cricket team will win a gold medal in the next Olympics.
The sports policy of Maharashtra to award the sportspersons in recognition of their outstanding performances at the international level always provides the extra zeal to the players and their mentors. Honouring the World Cup-winning women cricketers will go miles in motivating Maharashtra’s youth to pursue their ambitions in their loved sports and achieve at the national and international competitions.