In India, cricket is almost a religion. But women's cricket has so far been on the margins. Now, female stars, who've gained international recognition, inspire a new generation of girls to become professional cricketers.

Delhi

India's historic women's cricket World Cup victory in 2025 has sparked a surge of interest among young girls aspiring to play the sport at the highest level. The win, coupled with reforms such as equal match pay, has led to increased support from families and a rise in girls enrolling at cricket academies across the country.

Role models like Deepthi Sharma, who was named player of the series, are motivating girls like 10-year-old Nimisha to pursue their dreams in cricket. Families and coaches report a significant shift in attitudes, with more parents encouraging their daughters to play, signaling a promising future for women's cricket in India.

India's girl cricketers dream of stepping into the spotlight

Every day, 10-year-old Nimisha walks onto this cricket field with purpose. It's my dream to one day play for India. I want to win the World Cup. It's a bold dream for a young girl. In India, the spotlight and the rewards have largely followed the men's game. There are still huge differences between men and women's remuneration. But things have begun to change. India's governing body for cricket has introduced some reforms, including equal match pay. And there's been a turning point. In 2025, India's women won their first World Cup, prompting young girls across India to dream of a career in cricket. Most girls have an idol. My favourite cricketer is Deepthi Sharma. This time, she was a player of the series in the World Cup. Because of her, we won the World Cup. As practice stretches from day into evening, the girls get a call that bowls them over. Deepthi Sharma has come to speak to them via video, in a call facilitated by DW. Please give me a tip to play better. Train in the field every day and give your 100%. Deepthi Sharma began playing cricket around the same age as Nimisha and rose to become one of India's most dependable all-rounders. After the World Cup, I can see the mindset of many has changed. They want their daughters to become cricketers. This will be a great change for the coming generation. Nimisha's family is a case in point. Her father, a passionate cricketer himself, left his job two years ago to support his daughter's cricketing journey. In the past, my parents were concerned and questioning our effort, saying Nimisha is a girl. She'll just get hurt if she plays. So what's the point? Today, they follow her matches more than I do. Cricketing academies around the country are also seeing this change. Since the World Cup, the calls we get from girls has doubled. The future of women's cricket is very bright. Now that women have won their first cup, this is just the beginning for them. In cricket-obsessed India, young girls are beginning to claim their place. I know it will take a long time, but I will keep working hard till I get what I want. I have confidence in myself. I know I can do it. She hopes that like Deepthi Sharma, one day she too will get to lift cricket's World Cup trophy.

In a new show of force, China has mobilized its navy, air force, and ground troops to simulate a blockade of the self-ruled island's key ports. The military drill comes on the heels of an $11bn US arms sale to Taipei.

Taipei City

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Washington

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Berlin

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Beijing

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Somaliland

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Buri Ram

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Pyongyang

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Tegucigalpa

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