The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Devajit Saikia, has announced a special tribute to the late singer Zubeen Garg during the opening ceremony of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Zubeen Garg, who recently passed away in a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore, was a beloved figure known for popularizing Assamese music nationally, especially through his iconic song ‘Ya Ali’ from the 2006 film Gangster.

To honour his memory, the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), in collaboration with the BCCI, will hold special performances during the opening ceremony on September 30 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Saikia described Zubeen Garg as a youth icon, musical legend, and cultural symbol of Assam, noting the deep grief the state is experiencing after his sudden death. “His mortal remains have arrived in Guwahati today, and Assam is engulfed in sorrow over this tragic loss,” he said.

Saikia revealed that a 40-minute program dedicated to Zubeen’s legacy is being planned as part of the opening ceremony. The artist lineup is still being finalized, but popular singer Shreya Ghoshal, who was already scheduled to perform, will also be part of the tribute. “We are currently working on the arrangements and trying to include a segment dedicated to Zubeen Garg,” he added.

The Women’s World Cup 2025 will officially kick off on September 30, with the opening match between India and Sri Lanka. This will be the third time India hosts the prestigious tournament, having previously done so in 1997 and 2013.

Ahead of the World Cup, the Indian women’s cricket team faced a tough series loss against Australia, losing the three-match ODI series 2-1. After leveling the series 1-1, the Women in Blue were defeated by 43 runs in the final match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Before the World Cup begins, India is set to play two warm-up games against New Zealand and England, preparing to make a strong showing in front of the home crowd.