BCCI Planning A Tribute To Zubeen Garg At Women’s World Cup Opening Ceremony

The Indian cricket world is coming together to honour Zubeen Garg, the beloved singing legend from Assam, who passed away suddenly in Singapore on September 19, 2025. As a mark of respect, the BCCI is planning a heartfelt tribute during the opening ceremony of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which begins in Guwahati on September 30. This gesture not only highlights Garg’s cultural impact but also reflects the spirit of unity between sports and the arts.

Zubeen Garg’s Passing and the Outpouring of Grief

Zubeen Garg, aged 52, died in a tragic scuba diving accident while attending the Northeast India Festival in Singapore. The cause of death was certified as drowning. His body has been brought back to Assam, and lakhs of fans gathered in Guwahati to bid him farewell, with state honours being accorded at his final rites. Assam’s Chief Minister and leaders from across India paid rich tributes, calling him the “heartbeat” and “emotion” of Assam, whose music brought joy and comfort across generations.

What The BCCI Announced

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed plans for a “special 40-minute program” to honour Zubeen Garg at the Women’s World Cup opening ceremony in Guwahati. The Assam Cricket Association is leading the arrangements, and top Bollywood playback singer Shreya Ghoshal will perform as part of the event, including 4–5 of her famous songs and the Women’s World Cup theme song.

"This is the first time Guwahati is hosting the ICC Women's World Cup...Recently, the musical icon of Assam, Zubeen Garg, passed away. The Assam Cricket Association, possibly in conjunction with the BCCI, will organise a tribute program at the opening ceremony," Saikia shared.

Shreya Ghoshal’s presence is set to make this a memorable occasion and reinforce how music and cricket can bring people together in moments of grief and hope.

The Opening Ceremony: What To Expect

• Tribute to Zubeen Garg: A 40-minute segment before the match, featuring performances and visual homages.

• Shreya Ghoshal’s Medley: She will perform some of her best-loved hits and the tournament’s official theme song during the mid-innings break.

• Historic Stage for Assam: This is Guwahati’s first time hosting a Women’s Cricket World Cup, an occasion made even more poignant by the loss felt in the city and state.

The opening match, India vs Sri Lanka, will follow the ceremony, marking a special moment for both cricket and music fans in the region.

“Indian Women’s Cricket Has Come Of Age”

BCCI secretary Saikia also expressed his belief in the Indian women’s cricket team’s World Cup chances, noting their impressive performances against Australia and England recently. He remarked,

"India has not yet won any ICC Women's Trophy. So this is a big opportunity for the Indian women's team to do well... Indian women's cricket has come of age. And I am sure they will put forth a remarkable performance in the upcoming World Cup. I hope that the jinx is broken this time."

Zubeen Garg: Assam’s Icon

Zubeen Garg was much more than a singer—he was a social icon. His journey began at age 19, rocketing to fame with the album “Anamika” and national stardom with the Bollywood hit “Ya Ali.” Over three decades, he sang in 40+ languages and became the face of Assamese pride, youth, folk culture, and identity. From markets to stadiums, his songs bonded communities and carried hope through troubled times.