England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt has described the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India as a potential “seismic moment” for the women’s game, anticipating it could leave a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
“A World Cup in India is next level”
For Sciver-Brunt, who will be leading England at a 50-over World Cup for the first time, the excitement is unlike anything she has experienced.
“There’s nothing quite like playing cricket in India. It really is special. And it’s even more special when it’s a World Cup,” she told the ICC.
“India getting over the line in a close game, with the noise, the passion, the drama—that could change the perception of women’s cricket forever. I think when we look back on our careers, we’ll all mark this World Cup as a game-changer.”
The 33-year-old pointed to the rapid growth of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as proof of India’s role in shaping the sport, adding that a World Cup on Indian soil has the potential to take it to even greater heights.
From champion to captain
Having played key roles in England’s 2017 triumph and their 2022 runner-up finish, Sciver-Brunt now steps into the World Cup as captain, succeeding Heather Knight earlier this year.
“It’s an honour I’m humbled by,” she admitted. “You don’t really dream about captaining your country as a kid—you just dream about representing it. But to be leading the side at a World Cup is incredibly special.”
She has already had a taste of captaincy during England’s summer series against West Indies and India, where she began shaping her team’s style alongside head coach Charlotte Edwards.
England’s blend of youth and experience
Sciver-Brunt believes her squad is well-equipped to handle the challenge of an increasingly competitive women’s cricket landscape.
“The margins between teams are a lot smaller than people think,” she said. “We’ve got players who know what it takes to win and others for whom this is all new and exciting. That combination, with a coach who’s been there and done it, gives us belief we can deliver when it matters.”
England, four-time winners of the tournament, will begin their campaign against South Africa on October 3 in Guwahati. In the build-up, they will face India (Sept 25) and Australia (Sept 28) in warm-up matches.