England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt believes India lifting the upcoming Women’s World Cup would transform the sport in the country, calling it a “seismic moment” for women’s cricket.
India’s wait for glory
India have never won the Women’s World Cup despite coming close twice. The 2017 final at Lord’s, where Mithali Raj’s side lost to England by nine runs, remains one of the most memorable near-misses. Sciver-Brunt, who scored a half-century in that final, was part of Heather Knight’s title-winning side.
Host nation spotlight
The 2025 edition of the tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30, is expected to attract massive home support. Sciver-Brunt said the atmosphere in India could create defining moments for women’s cricket if the hosts go all the way. “If you think about India getting over the line in a close game, with all the noise and excitement, you begin to see what this competition could do for the game here,” she wrote in her ICC column.
WPL growth and World Cup challenge
While the Women’s Premier League (WPL) has boosted visibility and investment, Sciver-Brunt said a World Cup victory would take Indian cricket to another level. “I’ve seen the growth in the WPL, but a World Cup is something else. It would be a game-changer,” said the 33-year-old all-rounder, who has nearly 8,000 runs and close to 200 wickets across formats.
England’s expectations
Sciver-Brunt also highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament, saying there would be no easy games. England, finalists in the last edition and winners in 2017, will aim for a fifth title. “We’ve got a good mix of experience and exciting new players. The key will be stepping up in the big moments,” she added.
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