No Victory Parade Yet: BCCI Prioritizes ICC Meetings Over Immediate Celebration for World Cup Champions
No Victory Parade Yet: BCCI Prioritizes ICC Meetings Over Immediate Celebration for World Cup Champions
Despite India's historic maiden Women's World Cup triumph on November 3, 2025, the BCCI has confirmed that no victory parade or public celebration will be held immediately—a decision that has sparked debate about whether the women's team is receiving equal recognition compared to the men's side, which enjoyed a grand open-bus parade through Mumbai after winning the T20 World Cup in 2024.
The Official Explanation
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, speaking at Mumbai airport while departing for Dubai, explained the delay: "Nothing like a victory parade is planned as of now. I'm leaving for Dubai to attend the ICC meeting. Several officials are heading there as well, so once we return, we will plan accordingly."
The ICC meetings in Dubai, scheduled from November 4-7, have taken priority—particularly because the BCCI intends to raise the contentious Asia Cup trophy dispute with the International Cricket Council during these sessions.
The Asia Cup Trophy Priority
Saikia confirmed that resolving the Asia Cup trophy matter remains urgent: "We will take up the Asia Cup trophy matter with the ICC and hopefully get our trophy back with the respect and honour it deserves."
This refers to the September 28 incident where India's men's team refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi following their victory over Pakistan, with the trophy remaining locked in Dubai ever since.
Prime Minister Modi's Felicitation
While no public parade is planned, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will felicitate the team at his official residence in New Delhi on November 5—mirroring the ceremony held for Rohit Sharma's T20 World Cup-winning side in July 2024.
The team flew to the capital on November 4 after receiving the PMO invitation late on November 3.
The Contrast with Men's World Cup Celebration
When India's men's team won the T20 World Cup in June 2024, ending an 11-year trophy drought, the BCCI organized a grand open-bus parade through Mumbai streets that culminated at Wankhede Stadium—a spontaneous celebration that captured national imagination.
The women's team, having achieved arguably an even more historic feat (India's first-ever women's ICC World Cup title in 47 years of trying), will not receive similar immediate public recognition.
When Will Celebrations Happen? According to BCCI officials, formal celebrations will be planned only after senior officials return from Dubai post-November 7—meaning the team must wait at least a week before celebrating with fans publicly.
The Rs 51 Crore Reward
While no parade is planned, the BCCI has announced a Rs 51 crore cash prize for players, coaches, and support staff—the largest-ever reward for a women's cricket team, combined with the Rs 40 crore ICC prize money.
Public Reaction and Questions
The decision has sparked questions about whether logistical challenges, safety concerns, or priorities genuinely justify the delay—or whether it reflects an unconscious hierarchy that still places women's achievements secondary to administrative matters.
For a team that ended a 47-year wait and won India's maiden women's World Cup on home soil, the postponement of celebrations—regardless of stated reasons—sends a mixed message about how the nation values this historic achievement.