When was the first ever Women's ODI World Cup played? Why India weren't part of 7-team tournament?

The 2025 edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is set to begin in India on September 30. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India will look to win their first ever World Cup title after two final heartbreaks over the decades. Ahead of the World Cup, did you know that the first Women’s ODI World Cup was played two years before the Men’s ODI World Cup. Yes, you read that right. The first ever Women’s ODI World Cup was played in 1973. 

This is the third time India will be hosting the tournament. Here’s the story behind who the idea of Women’s ODI World Cup was realised in 1973. 

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It was England captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint and businessman Sir Jack Hayward who took the initiative. For the inaugural season, seven teams participated in the event. India were not part of the tournament which was held in England from June to July 1973. The teams which featured in the tournament were England, Australia, International XI, New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Young England. 

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Why India didn’t play in inaugural Women’s ODI World Cup

The tournament was played in a round-robin format. At that time, The Women's Cricket Association of India (WCAI) was not formed which merged with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) 33 years later. India played in the Women's ODI World Cup for the first time in 1978 at home under Diana Edulji's captaincy.

England outclass Australia in final, opener scores century

The first ever match between Jamaica and New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled. In that era, the ODIs used to have 60 overs per side. England and Australia finished in top two and reached the final. 

At Edgbaston, Birmingham, England skipper Heyhoe-Flint won the toss and opted to bat first. England opener Enid Bakewell dominated the Miriam Knee-led side. She scored 118 runs, featuring 11 fours. The skipper scored a half-century, helping the hosts post 279/3.

In the run chase, Bev Wilson and Jackie Potter got off to a cautious start, sharing a 62-run partnership from 19.4 overs. The required run rate kept climbing up and England managed to post 187/9, losing the final by 92 runs. Opener Potter top-scored with 57 runs. Mary Piling, Bakewell and Sue Hilliam took two wickets apiece.