India-Sri Lanka CWC25 opener sets new attendance record
The opening fixture of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Guwahati sets a new milestone in women’s cricket.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 got off to a historic start in Guwahati with the opener between India and Sri Lanka setting a new opening day attendance record at any Women's Cricket World Cup.
The game drew 22,843 fans at the ACA Stadium, a record for the most attended group stage fixture at any Women’s World Cup.
The previous record of 15,935 was set during the India-Pakistan ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group A clash in 2024.
The milestone is the latest to come from the ongoing marquee tournament, which has also set new benchmarks in fan accessibility and a record prize money pool in women’s cricket history.
ICC Hall of Famer Sachin Tendulkar has lauded the great miles covered by women’s cricket in recent times.
“I must acknowledge the strides made in the past few years. The Women’s Premier League has been nothing short of a game-changer,” Tendulkar said in his column for ICC.
“It has provided the platform, visibility, and financial security that generations of women cricketers could only dream of.
“A lot of credit must go to Jay Shah, who, during his time as BCCI secretary, pushed for equal match fees for men and women and laid the foundation for the WPL. These steps may appear administrative on paper, but in reality, they change lives.
“They tell every aspiring young girl that her passion is valued equally. I also want to thank the ICC for announcing record prize money for this tournament, even surpassing what was on offer for the men’s World Cup in 2023."
He added, "Symbolically and practically, it sends a powerful message—that women’s cricket deserves not just applause, but equal respect.”
The ongoing Women’s Cricket World Cup is the 14th edition of the tournament. The eight-team competition sees the best in the world vying for the ultimate prize in the game.