Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has issued a stern caution to India's women's team following their historic ICC Women's Cricket World Cup triumph on November 2, 2025, urging the players not to pin hopes on promised rewards from brands and individuals seeking free publicity. In a column for Mid-Day, the former captain highlighted how advertisers and opportunists rush to congratulate winners through full-page ads and hoardings without contributing financially, unless they are official sponsors. "These shameless people are using your win to promote themselves," Gavaskar warned, advising the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side to brace for potential disappointments.
The Indian women's team ended decades of heartbreak by defeating South Africa by 52 runs in the final, clinching their maiden World Cup title after finishing runners-up in 2005, 2017, and 2020. The victory, fuelled by the Women's Premier League's growth and coach Amol Muzumdar's guidance, sparked nationwide celebrations. The BCCI announced ₹51 crore in rewards atop the ICC's ₹40 crore prize, with states honouring stars like Richa Ghosh, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Harleen Deol.
Gavaskar's advice draws from bitter personal experience with the 1983 men's World Cup-winning team, which revolutionised Indian cricket but saw most grand promises evaporate. "Almost all never materialised," he recalled, noting media coverage amplified announcements without scrutiny, unwittingly aiding the "shameless" exploiters.
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Despite the setbacks, Gavaskar emphasised enduring public affection as the ultimate reward: "The love and affection of the simple Indian cricket lover is our greatest wealth, and so it will be yours too." He urged the women not to fret over unfulfilled pledges, reminding them their achievement has inspired generations.
As the nation basks in the glory of its new world champions, Gavaskar's timely words serve as a reality check amid the euphoria, echoing timeless lessons on fame's fleeting perks versus lasting legacy in Indian cricket. "Heartiest congratulations once again. The nation is proud of you. Jai Hind," he concluded.
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