Celebrating Women’s Cricket with a Global Anthem
As the cricket world gears up for the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a powerful and energetic official event song titled “Whatever It Takes.” This song is a collaboration between India’s first all-female major pop group in 22 years, W.i.S.H., and renowned music professionals, aiming to inspire and energize fans worldwide.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to kick off on October 3 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with matches scheduled to be played at Dubai and Sharjah. Originally planned to be held in Bangladesh, the tournament was relocated due to security concerns. This 17-day spectacle will feature 10 teams competing across 23 matches, promising an exciting display of cricketing talent.
The Creators Behind ‘Whatever It Takes’
The official event song, “Whatever It Takes,” is the brainchild of W.i.S.H., an all-girl pop group consisting of Riya Duggal (Ri), Simran Duggal (Sim), Zoe Siddharth (Zo), and Suchita Shirke (Suchi). The group’s name, W.i.S.H., stands for “World Inka Stage Hai,” meaning “the world is their stage,” reflecting their global aspirations and passion for performing.
W.i.S.H. made their debut on March 1, 2024, and have quickly gained popularity, with over 100K followers on Instagram. Their involvement in creating the official song for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is a significant milestone in their young career. The song was produced in collaboration with music director Mikey McCleary, composer Parth Parekh, and Bay Music House.
The Song’s Message and Impact
“Whatever It Takes” is more than just a song; it is a celebration of women’s cricket and the determination required to compete at the highest levels. The song embodies the spirit of elite cricketers who dedicate themselves to achieving excellence in their sport. The lyrics and melody are designed to resonate emotionally with the audience, highlighting the excitement and energy surrounding the tournament.
The music video, which is 1:40 minutes long, features highlight reels of some of the most memorable moments from previous editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, along with choreography by W.i.S.H. that captures the essence of the event. This visual representation aims to inspire a new generation of heroes in women’s cricket and further enhance the sport’s global recognition.
Global Reach and Significance
The ICC is committed to making the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 the best possible stage for world-class players to shine. With the launch of “Whatever It Takes,” the ICC aims to further establish women’s cricket on the global stage. The song is available for download and streaming on all major platforms worldwide, ensuring it reaches a broad and diverse audience.
Claire Furlong, ICC General Manager: Marketing and Communications, emphasized the importance of the song, stating that it is not only a prelude to the extraordinary talent that will be displayed on the field but also a vehicle to inspire a new generation of fans. The success of the 2023 edition in South Africa, which recorded over 190 million global viewing hours, sets a high bar for the 2024 event, which is expected to elevate the sport even further.
The Tournament Details
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will begin on October 3 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and will conclude on October 20 at the Dubai International Stadium. The tournament features 10 participating nations, each determined to lift the trophy. Australia, the reigning champions after their victory over South Africa in the 2022 final, will be among the teams vying for the top spot.
W.i.S.H.’s Excitement and Involvement
W.i.S.H. expressed their pride and excitement about creating the official event song. As huge fans of Indian cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana, the group is eager to see the players perform the hook step from the music video. This enthusiasm reflects the group’s deep connection with the sport and their commitment to contributing to such a special occasion.
In the words of W.i.S.H., “Cricket is a powerful force that unites people across our country and around the world, and it’s an honour to contribute to such a special occasion.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of unity and celebration that “Whatever It Takes” embodies.
As the start date of the Women’s T20 World Cup approaches, fans can look forward to a thrilling and memorable competition. The theme song, “Whatever It Takes,” will undoubtedly become a key part of the event’s identity, energizing fans and inspiring a new generation of cricket enthusiasts.
