India’s historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph sparked political friction on Monday after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s congratulatory post for the national women’s team drew a sharp counter from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

India clinched their maiden Women’s ODI World Cup title with a 52-run win over South Africa in Navi Mumbai, leading to late-night celebrations across the country. Soon after the victory, Banerjee took to X to hail the Indian team for their “brilliant performance” and said the triumph would inspire generations of young girls.

However, the BJP hit back almost immediately, referencing Banerjee’s recent remarks about women being out late at night. Replying to her post, the party wrote, “OMG they were playing till 12. But you had told them to be home by 8,” reviving a controversy triggered last month when Banerjee questioned why a gang-rape survivor was outdoors late, suggesting girls “should not be allowed to come outside after a certain time.”

Those remarks had sparked criticism nationwide, with the BJP and several women’s rights activists accusing her of victim-blaming and undermining women’s safety concerns. The National Commission for Women had also criticised her statement.

Meanwhile, on the field, the World Cup final was a night of emotion and dominance for the Women in Blue. Opener Shafali Verma delivered a stunning all-round performance with 87 runs and two wickets, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her team, many visibly emotional after the win, completed a remarkable turnaround after three group-stage defeats to bring home India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup trophy.

The victory has been widely hailed as a landmark moment for Indian women’s cricket — and one that will remain etched in sporting history, regardless of the political exchanges it has sparked.

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