WPL diary: How the WPL final transformed Mumbai into a ‘City of Joy’

By K.R. Nayar
From Brabourne Stadium

Mumbai.  Kolkata is known as the "City of Joy," but on Saturday night, Mumbai claimed that title as the Women's Premier League (WPL) final turned the city into a celebration hub. Mumbai Indians were crowned champions for the second time, and the fans made both the build-up to the triumph and the post-match celebrations truly special.

 


India: A nuclear power in world cricket

 

It is no surprise that India is akin to a nuclear power in world cricket. The passion and unwavering support of its fans have transformed it into a cricketing superpower, evidenced by its recent T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victories.

 

The imaginative fans. Photos from Mumbai, Delhi, WPL twitters 

As a reporter who witnessed Indian fans celebrating the Champions Trophy win at the Dubai International Stadium and the euphoria of Mumbai fans at Brabourne Stadium within the span of a week, I can categorically state that it is the fans who drive India's cricketing success. No wonder the Indian cricket board has become one of the richest cricket bodies in the world.

 


Ice Cream before screaming support

 

There is nothing more special than being present at the stadium, though millions enjoy watching the game on television. The entrance to the press box was through Gate No. 10, right next to K. Rustom’s—an iconic Iranian ice cream parlour. Since 1952, they have been serving the most delicious ice cream, with their wafer-sandwiched ice cream being the most popular.

 

K Rustom's wafer-sandwiched ice cream 

Fans had to push through a sea of people lining up for these treats before entering the stadium. It was with a bite of this signature ice cream in hand that they began screaming their support for Mumbai Indians.

 

A packed Brabourne Stadium

 

Brabourne Stadium can accommodate close to 50,000 people. Unlike modern venues, it lacks bucket seats, offering only concrete benches. As a result, estimating the exact number of fans present at the WPL final was difficult, but every available space was filled.

 

A proud Harmanpreet Kaur with the trophy. Photo BCCI

This stadium previously hosted the 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup, where Australia defeated West Indies in the final. Judging by the crowd’s energy, one could not distinguish whether it was a World Cup final or a high-stakes domestic league clash. The electrifying atmosphere created by the fans elevated the event to a grand spectacle.

 

One Anthem, One Nation

 

Having covered ICC World Cup and Champions Trophy events, where the national anthems of all participating teams are played, it felt different to hear just one anthem before the match. As both teams lined up, the entire stadium joined in singing "Jana Gana Mana," their voices rising above the speakers. It was a powerful display of unity. Even though two states were competing, the spirit of the nation stood tall. Cricket, often regarded as a religion in India, once again reinforced this bond.



 Walking into a world of color

 

Mumbai celebrated Holi, the festival of colors, on Friday, and the WPL final only seemed to extend the festivities. The entire stadium was bathed in vibrant lights, giving a feeling of stepping into a world of color rather than attending a cricket match. The pre-final closing ceremony featured dazzling performances by global artists, including French Montana, Mohamed Ramadan, Jasmine Sandlas, and DJ Shadow.

 

The global artists at WPL final 

The danger of hearing loss

 

The organizers wanted fans to celebrate the final in full spirit, allowing drums and all kinds of loud musical instruments into the ground. The result? A deafening noise level, especially when Mumbai Indians fans erupted in cheers. My smartwatch even warned me that the surrounding sound was dangerously high, capable of causing temporary hearing loss.

 

When my smart watch warned me. 

As the match reached its climax, the entire stadium sang "Vande Mataram" in unison, while others chanted "Ganpati Bappa Morya." The slogan "Mumbai Jitega" echoed continuously until the final ball of the thrilling match.


Comments

  1. SMarch 16, 2025 at 11:52 PM

    Aali re Aali was the best poster, Gr8 column KR .......Rustom's Icecream brought memories

    ReplyDelete

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