The popularity of Men’s Cricket around the world is many times more than that of Women’s Cricket. But do you know that the Women’s Cricket World Cup is an older tournament than the Men’s World Cup. The history of international cricket tells that the Women’s World Cup was first organized in 1973. Whereas, the first event of Men’s Cricket World Cup was held in 1975. That is, the Women’s World Cup is older than the Men’s World Cup.
Significantly, the Women’s Cricket Indian team first participated in the World Cup in 1978. The special thing was that India had also hosted this World Cup. India’s team finished fourth in that World Cup. Let us tell you that in the World Cup held so far, India’s women’s cricket team has participated in 9 out of 11. The Indian women’s team reached the finals in the 2005 and 2017 World Cups. But, in the history of 44 years of Women’s World Cup, India did not get the trophy even once.
Significantly, in the last Women’s World Cup held in England, the Indian team was the runner up. The Indian women’s team lost the final match to England. In that match, India was in the grip of the last few overs, but suddenly one wicket after the other kept falling.
How was the 49 year old journey of Women’s Cricket World Cup
The Women’s World Cup was first held in England in 1973. 7 teams participated in that tournament and was played on a round robin basis. In the final match, hosts England won the first World Cup by defeating Australia. An England businessman donated 40 thousand pounds for that World Cup. After this, Australia won the World Cup for three consecutive times in 1978, 1983 and 1988.
After that in 1993, the England team won the Women’s World Cup again. After this, Australia became champion for the 4th and 5th time in 1997 and 2005. The team of New Zealand won the 2000 World Cup. After this, England in 2009, Australia in 2013 and once again in 2017 the England women’s team showed their talent and captured the World Cup. That is, so far only the teams of 3 countries have won the World Cup. In which Australia has won the maximum 6 times, England 4 times and New Zealand 1 time.
Remind you that ‘ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, 2022’ is going to start in New Zealand from March 4. The history of cricket tells that India will participate in the Women’s World Cup for the 10th time. This will be the 5th World Cup of team captain Mithali Raj and senior pacer Jhulan Goswami. Significantly, the Indian team has also reached the final twice in 2005 and 2017. It is expected that this time under the leadership of Mithali Raj, India will return with a wink of victory.
– Vijay Kumar