Sunil Gavaskar has issued a stark warning to India’s World Cup-winning women’s team—don’t believe every promise made in the euphoria following their historic triumph. The batting legend urged the players not to feel disheartened if some rewards fail to materialize, calling out “shameless” brands using the victory for free publicity.​

Drawing from Experience

India defeated South Africa by 52 runs on November 2 to lift their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup, ending heartbreak from three previous runner-up finishes in 2005, 2017, and 2020. Since then, rewards and recognitions have poured in from all quarters.​

The BCCI announced Rs 51 crore in cash rewards, adding to the Rs 40 crore prize money from the ICC. Several state governments also promised individual awards to players like Richa Ghosh, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Harleen Deol.​

But Gavaskar, who was part of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, knows this script all too well. “Just a word of caution to the girls. Please don’t get disappointed if some of the promised awards don’t come to you,” he wrote in his Mid-Day column.​

The Publicity Game

Gavaskar didn’t mince words when calling out brands and advertisers. “In India, advertisers, brands, and individuals are quick to jump on the bandwagon and try to get free publicity for themselves on the shoulders of the winners,” he stated.​

He pointed to full-page advertisements and hoardings congratulating the team, asking players to look closely at who’s behind them. “Unless they are team and individual players’ sponsors, the rest are only trying to promote their brands or themselves and giving nothing to the ones who have brought glory to Indian cricket,” Gavaskar explained.​

Lessons from 1983 The 1983 World Cup-winning team faced similar experiences. “The 1983 team also were made many promises with loads of coverage in the media then. Almost all never materialised,” Gavaskar revealed.​

He clarified that media couldn’t be blamed—they were happy to carry lofty announcements, not realizing they were being used by opportunistic people. “So girls, don’t fret if these shameless ones are using your win to promote themselves,” he added.​

True Wealth Beyond Money

Despite the cautionary tone, Gavaskar offered perspective on what matters most. “The 1983 guys will tell you that so many decades down the line, the love and affection of the simple Indian cricket lover is our greatest wealth, and so it will be yours too, when you also put your feet up,” he wrote.​

The message was clear—public admiration and the pride of achievement last far longer than broken promises or opportunistic publicity stunts.

A Historic Achievement

The Women’s World Cup victory represents years of hard work, bolstered by the emergence of the Women’s Premier League and the dedication of coach Amol Muzumdar. After coming agonizingly close multiple times, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side finally claimed cricket’s biggest prize.​

The triumph has inspired countless young cricketers across India to take up the sport. The players have become instant heroes and role models, their success marking a watershed moment for women’s cricket in the country.​

Looking Ahead

Gavaskar concluded his column with warm congratulations. “Heartiest congratulations once again. The nation is proud of you. Jai Hind,” he wrote.​

His warning serves as a reality check amid the celebrations—not everyone praising the team now has their best interests at heart. Some are simply riding the wave of success for their own benefit. But for players who’ve worked tirelessly to reach this pinnacle, the love of genuine cricket fans will prove far more valuable than any empty promise.