After World Cup Glory, What Kept Uma Chetry from Returning Home Sooner?

A brief controversy erupted over the subdued reception of Uma Chetry, Assam’s pride and member of the World Cup-winning Indian Women’s Cricket Team, when she arrived in Guwahati after the team’s historic triumph in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

On Sunday, November 2, Team India created history, ending years of heartbreak by defeating South Africa to clinch their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title — their maiden victory across any format. Playing before a packed DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India posted 298/7 in 50 overs, powered by Shafali Verma (87) and Deepti Sharma (58). South Africa’s skipper Laura Wolvaardt (101 off 98) fought hard, but India’s spinners Deepti (5/39) and Shafali (2/36) bowled the Proteas out for 246, sealing a 52-run win.

Following the victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the champions at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on Wednesday, congratulating them on their triumph and praising their resilience after early defeats. The next day, on Thursday, the team met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Also Read: Champions of the world: Indian Women's Cricket team makes history!

Earlier, Assam’s Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Nandita Gorlosa, felicitated Uma Chetry for her remarkable contribution to Indian women’s cricket. The official handle Chief Minister Assam posted on X: “Minister of Sports & Youth Welfare Smt. @GorlosaNandita felicitated Assam’s rising cricket star Uma Chetry for her outstanding achievements and contribution to Indian women's cricket. Her success continues to inspire countless young athletes across the state to dream big and aim higher.”

Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Welfare Smt. @GorlosaNandita felicitated Assam’s rising cricket star Uma Chetry for her outstanding achievements and contribution to Indian women’s cricket.

Her success continues to inspire countless young athletes across the state to dream… pic.twitter.com/MSNzUNYdEj

— Chief Minister Assam (@CMOfficeAssam) November 7, 2025

However, when Uma landed in Guwahati later, her airport reception appeared unusually quiet, prompting debate online. Except for members of the Gorkha Students’ Union and two officials from the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) — the CEO and PRO — no major organisations or government representatives were present at the airport.

Observers described the scene as “deeply unfortunate” for Assam’s sporting fraternity, with some calling it “a painful injustice to Uma after her world-conquering feat.”

Addressing the media in Guwahati, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Lon Saikia on Saturday clarified that the situation arose purely due to scheduling changes after India’s World Cup victory.

Saikia explained that all World Cup activities concluded late on November 2. On November 3, the Prime Minister expressed his wish to meet the Indian team, prompting their travel to Delhi on November 4. Later, on November 6, the President also hosted them at Rashtrapati Bhavan. “Due to these engagements, the team’s travel plans changed multiple times, and Uma herself was not sure when she would reach Assam,” Saikia said.

He added that the ACA had not been informed of her confirmed arrival time. “There was no lapse on ACA’s part in welcoming Uma. We did whatever was possible within the limited time,” Saikia clarified.

He further explained that no cultural event such as a Bihu performance was organised due to timing and logistics. “Even when I took charge at the BCCI, I had made it clear that such celebrations should only be held when the atmosphere allows it. Today’s circumstances didn’t permit that, so we kept it simple. Uma was still warmly felicitated,” Saikia said.

Saikia urged that politics should not be dragged into the matter. “If journalists and fans truly admire Uma Chetry, they should have come to welcome her, instead of politicising the issue,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the ACA will officially felicitate Uma Chetry on Sunday at 10:30 AM at its headquarters in Guwahati. Saikia also assured that the Asia Cup trophy issue will be resolved soon.

The BCCI and ACA are now preparing for the upcoming India vs South Africa Test match on November 22 at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati. The fixture is crucial for India’s ICC Test rankings, and the BCCI has extended full logistical and technical support to ensure smooth conduct of the match.

Adding a jubilant turn to the story, Uma received a grand felicitation in Bokakhat on Saturday by the Golaghat District Administration, Bokakhat Sub-Divisional Administration, Bokakhat Sports Association, and the local community.

At the Bokakhat Stadium, Uma was honoured with a traditional Phulam Gamusa, Cheleng Chador, a Bouquet, a Xorai, and a Felicitation scroll. A massive rally began from her home in Kandhulimari, featuring jeeps from the Agaratoli Jeep Safari Association, bikes, and e-rickshaws driven by fans. Her local coach, Mehbub Alam, along with Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) leaders, accompanied her on an open jeep to the Bokakhat District Sports Association ground, where she was greeted amid cheers and applause.