Photo via Onmanorama

End of an Era: Harmanpreet Kaur’s story, and of Indian women's cricket

Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down as captain of India’s women’s cricket team marks the close of a transformative chapter for the sport in the country. Her rise coincided with the BCCI’s 2006 takeover of women’s cricket administration, a shift that unlocked resources, infrastructure, and professional opportunities previously unavailable.

As a pioneer from Punjab’s Moga district, Kaur’s journey from grassroots cricket to becoming the game’s most influential player reflects the tangible progress made under BCCI’s oversight, both as a batter and as a leader who elevated the team’s global standing. Her 2017 Women’s World Cup heroics—including an unbeaten 171 off 115 balls against Australia—brought unprecedented attention to Indian women’s cricket, though a narrow final defeat to England underscored the team’s competitive edge even in defeat.

The innings, often likened to Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup masterpiece, became a defining moment that reshaped public perception of the sport’s potential in India.

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