03 November,2025 03:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
South African actress Thanja Vuur
South African actress and writer Thanja Vuur has come forward to slam her own country's cricket legends and fans for not supporting their team in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. Vuur, who considers herself a cricket nerd, called out her countrymen, while heaping the Indian team and the people of India. Her reaction came shortly after India's women's team registered a historic win against South Africa on November 2 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Vuur took to Instagram to share a video lauding Indians for their love for the sport and their continuous support for the women's team, both online and in the stands. She started the video by addressing Indian fans, saying, "India, you win this World Cup. Your congratulations is coming. Just give me a few minutes because first I'm gonna tell you why. The reason is you."
She pointed out how Indian cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and VVS Laxman, showed up at the stadium to back the women cricketers. On the contrary, the South African women's team lacked similar support from the country's icons. She furiously said, "Who the hell showed up from South Africa? These ex-cricket players that you love from South Africa, the men... where were they? Oh, this event was not high-profile enough for them."
The actress also questioned her country's attitude toward women's sports, while expressing disappointment that not even the Sports Minister was seen at the event. She sharply said, "Smriti Mandhana and the girls worked so hard. They did so well. But what does it feel like when none of these people show up? Did they just think we were gonna lose? Is that the message they're sending?"
Meanwhile, Thanja Vuur praised Indian fans for their belief in their team and energy in the stands, adding that it played a crucial role in motivating Team India to victory. "You guys live and breathe this sport… It is breakfast, it is lunch, it is dinner. You are the winners of this World Cup. And you know what? You deserve it," she remarked.
Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma, along with ICC Chairman Jay Shah, and several celebrities were present in the stands at the DY Patil Stadium to witness India take on South Africa in a historic final of the Women's World Cup in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.
The stadium was jam-packed with fans who had braved early afternoon rain to remain in and cheer the home team in what is India's third appearance in the summit clash. Sachin Tendulkar was shown by the broadcasters keenly watching the match while batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, VVS Laxman, and former India batter Brijesh Patel were the other celebrities in attendance at DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
Rohit Sharma watched the match with his wife Ritika. Rohit also spent some time chatting with ICC Chairman Jay Shah and Nita Ambani, owner of the Mumbai Indians, whom he led to five titles in the Indian Premier League. Sachin Tendulkar, too, was photographed with Nita Ambani.
(With inputs from IANS)
