Harmanpreet’s contribution will hold special place: BCCI
The 2025 Women’s World Cup triumph will remain the defining achievement of Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy and ensure that her contribution to Indian cricket occupies a “special place” in its history, the BCCI said on Tuesday after the veteran batter stepped down as the national team’s leader across formats. BCCI president Mithun Manhas hailed Harmanpreet’s leadership through a significant phase in the growth of women’s cricket in the country, while expressing satisfaction that the 37-year-old will continue to represent India as a player.
“Harmanpreet Kaur’s contribution as captain will always hold a special place in the history of Indian cricket,” Manhas said in a statement issued by the BCCI.
“The World Cup victory in 2025 will undoubtedly be the defining achievement of her captaincy. It was the culmination of years of progress, hard work and belief. Her Asian Games gold medals and the many important victories during her tenure further underline the contribution she has made.”
Harmanpreet, who took over India’s T20I captaincy in 2016 before becoming the full-time ODI and Test skipper in 2022, ended her leadership stint after guiding the team to its maiden Women’s World Cup title last year and a second successive Asian Games gold in Nagoya, Japan last month.
In her communication to the BCCI, Harmanpreet said she believed it was the right time to hand over the captaincy but made it clear that her commitment to Indian cricket remained undiminished.
“Leading India has been one of the greatest honours and privileges of my life,” she said. “After careful consideration, I believe that this is the right time for me to hand over the responsibility of captaincy and allow the team to move forward under new leadership.” The former captain also stressed that she wanted to continue playing for India and contribute to team in a different capacity.
“However, my commitment to Indian cricket remains as strong as ever. I would like to continue representing the Indian Women’s Cricket Team as a player and contribute to the team’s success in every way I can,” she said.
