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As India celebrated triumphantly after winning the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup at a packed DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, a starkly different atmosphere prevailed in South Africa. In Cape Town, actress, writer, and passionate cricket fan Thanja Vuur expressed her frustration over her country’s lack of visible support. In a viral Instagram reel posted from her handle @cape_town_cricket_queen, Vuur questioned the absence of South Africa’s prominent cricket personalities and public figures during the most significant night in the nation’s women’s cricket history. Her emotional outburst sparked a debate across India and South Africa. “Who the hell showed up from South Africa?” she began, contrasting the sea of Indian fans, celebrities, and legends at the venue with the near-complete silence from her homeland. Before turning her criticism inward, Vuur paused to commend Indian supporters. “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 said. She applauded the presence of Indian cricket greats — Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, VVS Laxman, and Sunil Gavaskar — all seen cheering from the stands, alongside ICC officials and franchise representatives. Difference Between India And South Africa Vuur argued this was the defining difference between the two nations. “Who the hell showed up from South Africa? These ex-cricket players that you love from South Africa, the men… where are they? Oh, this event was not high-profile enough for them,” she said in frustration. Her criticism deepened as she lamented the absence of political and sporting leaders, adding, “I’m disappointed that not even the Sports Minister attended the final.” Vuur’s tone became emotional as she defended the players’ efforts: “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?” She concluded her video by shifting focus back to India, crediting its unmatched cricket culture and the emotional energy of its fans. “You guys live and breathe this sport… It is breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You are the winners of this World Cup. And you know what? You deserve it,” she said.
