Women’s cricket in India is experiencing a revolution, and the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup triumph is a testament to the transformation sparked by structural reforms and visionary leadership. Amol Muzumdar credits WPL pay parity as one of the decade’s most influential shifts, fostering both depth and confidence in the national team. Let’s explore why these two changes—WPL and pay parity—are rightly at the center of every conversation about the future of Indian women’s cricket.
Amol Muzumdar Credits WPL Pay Parity: A Paradigm Shift
Amol Muzumdar credits WPL pay parity for accelerating the growth of women’s cricket in India. The Women’s Premier League, launched just three years ago, didn’t just provide a platform but also a dream for thousands of aspiring cricketers. Muzumdar, India’s head coach, recently emphasized that pay parity, established in 2022, was a historic milestone. He hailed these reforms for leveling the field, boosting morale, and helping the team realize its World Cup ambitions.
The Power of Pay Parity and WPL’s Platform
- The BCCI’s introduction of pay parity in 2022 ensured that international women cricketers earn the same match fees as their male counterparts—a radical step that inspired respect and confidence among players.
- The WPL has uncovered immense talent by setting up a world-class, professional stage for domestic and upcoming stars and giving them the exposure and experience to shine internationally.
Pioneers, Pathbreakers & World Cup Glory
Muzumdar credits stalwarts like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Anjum Chopra, and Reema Malhotra for laying the foundation, patiently working through years when opportunities and recognition were minimal. It’s their sacrifices that made the new professional era possible, which bore fruit as India carried the 2025 World Cup trophy around the boundary, proudly saluting the legends.
Shree Charani and Kranti Goud: WPL’s Brightest Finds
Amol Muzumdar credits WPL pay parity not just in words but with examples: Shree Charani and Kranti Goud. Both players were identified in the February WPL edition and earned their international caps by May, highlighting how WPL is fast-tracking the journey to Team India:
- Shree Charani dominated the WPL with all-round skills, catching national selectors’ eyes.
- Kranti Goud, a hard-hitting middle-order batter, made headlines after standout domestic and WPL performances.
Their meteoric rise underlines how reforms spark opportunity, drive belief, and reshape Indian cricket’s future for women.
Resilience and Turning Points
The World Cup campaign wasn’t smooth. Three straight group-stage losses to Australia, South Africa, and England created doubts, but Muzumdar’s honest, barrier-breaking team conversation shifted the mindset, transforming pressure into performance. The ability to recover mentally, stay focused after a euphoric semi-final win, and chase the final goal on November 2nd was critical—a sporting lesson in itself.
Magic, Mindset & The Road Ahead
Since taking over as head coach, Amol Muzumdar has led a transformation in spirit and strategy, with revamped support staff, a strong focus on mental resilience, and a culture of accountability and unity. The results are clear: not only has India lifted the World Cup, but domestic systems, WPL, and pay parity ensure the next generation is even stronger.
The Amol Muzumdar credits WPL pay parity narrative is a beautiful story of investment yielding dividends. The initial injection of resources has created a self-sustaining ecosystem where the WPL identifies talent, pay parity stabilizes their professional lives, and the resultant success drives a mass movement of girls towards cricket.
As Muzumdar looks forward, he is building a dynasty not just on skill, but on a financially secure and professionally structured foundation, ensuring that this World Cup victory is not an anomaly, but the first of many triumphs for the Women in Blue. The ripple effects, as he wisely noted, “will be felt for generations,” changing not just cricket, but the perception of women’s professional sport in India forever.
