Women's cricket takes center stage at UK-India friendship tournament

Women’s cricket was the spotlight at the Bengal Britain Travel Friendship Cup Cricket Tournament – Season 2. This cricket tournament that took place on February 1-2 at Police Athletic Club showcased an electrifying series of matches, with Men’s and Women’s teams competing in a unique blend of cricket, tourism and cultural exchange.

The tournament which was started in 2024 is an initiative of the British Deputy High Commission Kolkata in partnership with SKAL International Kolkata, Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) and Travel Agents Association of India(TAAI).

The Season 2 of the tournament celebrated not only men’s cricket but also women’s cricket, highlighting the growing recognition of female athletes in the sport. A special women’s match was played in T10 overs format on 2 February 2025, emphasizing the commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in sports. This landmark event aims to further strengthen the bonds between India and the UK, fostering deeper connections through shared love for cricket, tourism, and mutual respect.

Team Lionesses were the Women’s Champion and Team TAFI were the Men’s Champion of this season. The UK will be at the forefront of an exciting summer of sports this year. For the first time ever England will field three national cricket teams (Men’s, Women’s, and a Pan-Disability team) against their Indian counterparts. The UK will also host the Men’s and Women’s FA Cup Final, London Marathon, the tennis Championships at Wimbledon, various international golf tournaments, prestigious horse races meetings like Royal Ascot, the British Grand Prix, Premier League football, The Women’s Rugby World Cup, a full summer programme of county cricket plus The Hundred, and many other big ticket tournaments.

Reflecting on the tournament, Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India said: “Bengal Britain Travel Friendship Cup is a great initiative. Sport is a major motivation for many to visit the UK. Last year I promised women’s participation in future editions of this Cup and I am proud that this year we are delivering on this pledge.”