New Delhi: Indian women's cricket, which began its official international journey 50 years ago, has transformed from humble beginnings into a formidable force, culminating in a recent ODI World Cup victory. Former captain Diana Edulji, a pioneer of the game, reflected on this incredible half-century, emphasizing the dedication of early players despite immense hardships.

“This was the beginning, and the journey has been wonderful. I can’t believe that 50 years is already around the corner,” Edulji told bcci.tv. She recalled the team's first official international match on October 31, 1976, against West Indies in Bangalore, a six-Test series opener where she played alongside her sister Behroze. Despite poor facilities and minimal financial support, the players never wavered.

Edulji vividly remembers the challenges, including bats flying out of hands against faster West Indies bowlers, highlighting the gap in standards. Yet, India, coached by Lala Amarnath, secured its first international victory in the fourth Test in Patna, with Edulji hitting the winning runs before a 35,000-strong crowd. “When the crowd erupted after the victory, it was something we had seen only in men’s cricket,” she reminisced.

Her career saw many firsts: India’s first ODI captain, first to lead in a World Cup, first Indian bowler with 100 international wickets, and the first Indian woman to receive the Padma Shri and be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. The 2017 World Cup final, despite a loss, marked a turning point, bringing the team into national prominence.

Edulji lauded the efforts of the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and current ICC Chairman Jay Shah for advancing women's cricket. Shah's initiatives, including pay parity and the Women’s Premier League (WPL), have been transformative. The upcoming ICC Women’s Champions Trophy in 2027 further underscores the game’s global expansion. Witnessing India win the World Cup last year was a dream come true for Edulji, a testament to the foundation laid by her generation.

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