NEW DELHI: The streets of Siliguri turned into a wave of jubilation on Friday as thousands of fans came out to greet hometown star Richa Ghosh, Bengal's first-ever World Cup-winning cricketer, following India’s historic victory at the Women’s World Cup.

Siliguri celebrates Richa Ghosh’s World Cup win

Cheers, drums, and chants filled the air as the 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter arrived at Bagdogra airport, standing atop an open jeep that made its way through the city to Baghajatin Park, where a grand felicitation awaited. The entire route was adorned with banners, garlands, and posters celebrating the new champion.

"It was my dream to play for India and to lift the World Cup," Richa said, waving to the crowd.

"We had our eyes on the trophy from the start of the tournament. Even when we lost three matches in a row, our belief never wavered."

The explosive middle-order batter, daughter of club-level cricketer-turned-umpire Manabendra Ghosh and homemaker Shampa Ghosh, played a pivotal finishing role in India’s campaign. She scored 235 runs from eight innings at a strike rate of 133.52, the best among Indians, and her 12 sixes equalled West Indies power-hitter Deandra Dottin’s record for the most sixes in a Women’s World Cup edition.

Batting at No. 7 in the final against South Africa, she struck a blistering 34 off 24 balls, helping India post a match-winning total in their 52-run victory and securing the team’s first-ever global title.

Hometown hero honoured amid grand felicitation

The second wicketkeeper from Siliguri to represent India after Wriddhiman Saha, Richa now boasts a full trophy cabinet, including the U-19 World Cup, the Women’s Premier League title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Asian Games gold, and Commonwealth Games silver.

"My parents have the biggest role in what I have become. They always told me that if you dream, dream big,” she said, seated beside her father at the felicitation ceremony. “Now my next goal is to win the T20 World Cup.”

The Siliguri Municipal Corporation and Sub-Divisional Sports Council rolled out a red carpet at Baghajatin Park, where local women cricketers gave her a guard of honour, raising their bats as she walked in. The event was attended by Mayor Gautam Deb, Deputy Mayor Ranjan Sarkar, SJDA Chairman Dilip Dugga, and several other dignitaries.

Richa, who was felicitated by more than 50 organisations during the day, credited the team’s unity for the historic win.

"Every cricketer bonded as a unit, shouldered the challenges side by side -- and the magic moment came,” she said.

She also spoke about the evolving landscape of women’s cricket in India:

"Pay parity and the WPL are massive steps. They’ll inspire more girls to take up cricket seriously. The WPL gives everyone a chance. If you perform there, you can make it to the Indian team.”

Reflecting on the team’s interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she added, “He told us that people will now see Indian cricket differently — it won’t be called the women’s team anymore. Everyone’s contribution made this win special."

Despite the accolades, Richa remains connected to her roots.

“We need a proper cricket stadium in Siliguri,” she urged. “Better infrastructure will help not only cricket but all sports here.”

Reports suggest the World Cup winner has been offered a post in the West Bengal Police, though there has been no official announcement yet. Celebrations will continue on Saturday when the Cricket Association of Bengal honours her at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with Sourav Ganguly and Jhulan Goswami presenting a gold-plated bat and ball signed by both legends.

(With PTI Inputs)