Indonesia Women’s historic debut at the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup represented more than just another tournament appearance. According to Cricket Indonesia chairman Abhiram Singh Yadav, the event confirmed that the country’s long-term development strategy is beginning to deliver results, with the next objective now being regular Asia Cup qualification and eventually a place at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
In his RevSportz interview, Yadav reflected on the team’s progress, the appointment of head coach Nitish Salekar and the roadmap designed to establish Indonesia among Asia’s emerging cricket nations.
Asia Cup experience seen as a major milestone
Although Indonesia did not register a victory during its first Women’s Asia Cup campaign, Yadav described the tournament as a historic achievement rather than a disappointment.
Indonesia earned qualification through the ACC Women’s Premier Cup before facing Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and hosts UAE in Dubai. The chairman highlighted that competing against established cricket nations provided invaluable experience, particularly after Indonesia reduced eventual champions Sri Lanka to 62/6 before they recovered.
Rather than judging the campaign solely by results, Yadav believes the tournament demonstrated how far Indonesian women’s cricket has progressed. He pointed to the team’s rise into the 20–23 range of the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, qualification for the 2023 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup and the country’s first-ever victory at an ICC global event as evidence of sustained development.
Strong grassroots programme driving progress
Yadav explained that women’s cricket has become one of the central pillars of Cricket Indonesia’s long-term strategy.
The organisation’s development initiatives have already reached more than 200,000 participants, with women and girls making up a significant proportion. Active cricket structures now operate in more than 20 provinces, providing a clear pathway from schools and grassroots programmes to provincial teams, the Under-19 national side and eventually the senior team.
He believes this structured pathway has made international cricket far more accessible for young Indonesian players than it was only a few years ago.
Long-term vision extends beyond one tournament
According to Yadav, Indonesia’s ambitions stretch well beyond qualifying for a single major competition.
The governing body has developed a 10 to 15-year strategy focused on regular Asia Cup appearances, improved performances at the Asian Games and eventual qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Preparations are already underway for the proposed ICC Women’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier, expected to be held in Bali next year. Hosting such an event would not only benefit the national team but also strengthen Indonesia’s reputation as an international cricket venue.
Yadav added that cricket’s return to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles 2028 provides another important target for the country’s long-term development.
Nitish Salekar appointment already showing results
Yadav also praised head coach Nitish Salekar, describing him as someone who understands the challenges of developing an emerging cricket nation.
He believes Salekar has already made a significant impact by helping Indonesia qualify for its first senior Women’s Asia Cup and improving the team’s competitiveness against Full Member nations.
The chairman said the next stage of development will focus on improving batting, bowling, fielding, fitness and tactical awareness while continuing to raise professional standards throughout the programme.
Women’s World Cup qualification now the major objective
Looking ahead, Yadav described qualification for the expanded 16-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from 2030 as an objective rather than simply a dream.
He stressed that Indonesia must continue investing in stronger domestic competitions, international fixtures, coaching, player development, strength and conditioning, and infrastructure to achieve that ambition.
For Yadav, sustained progress rather than isolated success will determine whether Indonesia can establish itself among the stronger cricket nations in the coming decade.
