The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 got off to a soulful start at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati with a heartfelt tribute to the late Zubeen Garg. Several artistes, including Angaraag ‘Papon’ Mahanta and other local singers, performed Assamese songs, moving the crowd to sing along in unison. Fans began lining up outside the stadium gates well before the scheduled 2 pm start, thanking the BCCI and Assam Cricket Association for honoring one of Assam’s most beloved icons in such a memorable way.
The atmosphere turned vibrant with lights, music, and emotion before the cricketing action began. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to bowl, backing her bowling attack to deliver early breakthroughs. The World Cup trophy was then brought to the field by former India skipper Mithali Raj, followed by the national anthems. Sri Lankan singer Nuwandhika Senarathne led her country’s anthem, while India’s anthem was rendered by Shreya Ghoshal, whose melodious performance of “Jana Gana Mana” drew thunderous cheers from the crowd.
The match kicked off with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal opening for India, facing Sri Lanka’s Achini Kulasuriya with the new ball. For the home crowd in Assam, it was a dream start to the World Cup—blending cultural pride with cricketing excitement. Fans now await India’s performance on the field, a special mid-innings show by Shreya Ghoshal, and hopefully, the joy of celebrating a winning start to the tournament.
