The legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar felicitated the Indian Under-19 Women's Cricket team for their glorious triumph in the inaugural ICC U-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa. On Wednesday (February 1) Sachin said that the historical feat will inspire many girls to take up the sport and realise their dreams.
The Master Blaster and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also presented Rs 5 Crore check to Shafali Verma's brigade. On Sunday, January 29, India, captained by Shafali Verma, won the inaugural edition of the tournament after beating Grace Scrivens’ England by seven wickets in the final at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
“I would likely to congratulate you on the magnificent achievement. The entire nation will celebrate (the triumph) for years to come,” Sachin said while felicitating India's Teen in Blue.
"For me, my cricketing dreams started in 1983 but by winning this World Cup, you have given birth to many dreams. It was a magnificent performance.
"By winning this World Cup, you have given a dream to young girls in India to represent the country.
"The beginning of the WPL (Women's Premier League) is going to be the biggest thing. I believe in equality for men and women, and not just in sports. There should be equal opportunities," he added.
Tendulkar said the BCCI is doing its best for the growth of women's cricket in the country.
"What BCCI has been able to do and the officials' contribution in helping women's cricket prosper, I think it's a sign that we will really do well (in future)."
The BCCI even shared a video of his speech.
""The entire nation will celebrate and cherish your victory" Master Blaster @sachin_rt delivers a speech at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad as the BCCI felicitates the victorious U19 Women's Team at the #U19T20WorldCup Listen in here👇👇 #TeamIndia @JayShah," the video was captioned.
Here's the video…
During the brief felicitation function, which was also attended by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, president Roger Binny, vice-president Rajeev Shukla and treasurer Ashish Shelar, the dignitaries handed over a cheque of Rs 5 crore to the victorious India U-19 women's team as announced by the board secretary earlier.
Meanwhile another BCCI's tweet read,"Congratulations to our World Champions Bharat Ratna Shri @sachin_rt and Office Bearers of BCCI honour the achievements of the World Cup-winning India U19 team and present them with a cheque of INR 5 crore."
Shafali Verma & Co. won all their matches in the group stage before losing to Australia in their first match of the Super 6. In the semis, the Women in Blue defeated New Zealand by eight wickets. Later in the summit clash they put up a sensational show to rock England by seven wickets to emerge the World Champions.
