New Delhi: Kirsty Coventry, the former Olympic swimming champion from Zimbabwe, has made history by becoming the first woman to serve as President of the International Olympic Committee in its 131-year existence. She was recently spotted at the semi-final match between India and Australia during the Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai, having been invited by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, according to a press release.
Shah, recognized for his innovative initiatives aimed at transforming cricket, including promoting pay equity and empowering women, engaged in discussions about the sport with Coventry during the event.
At the press conference announcing her election as IOC President, Coventry emphasized the importance of gender equality within the Olympic Movement. With Shah spearheading reforms in cricket and the sport making its debut at the LA28 Games, the collaboration between him and the newly appointed IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, is expected to be significant.
Shah also shared his thoughts on social media, stating, "Congratulations and best wishes to newly-elected IOC President @KirstyCoventry, an honor thoroughly deserved and something I'm humbled to have been present for in Greece after hosting you at the @ICC #ChampionsTrophy. I look forward to collaborating with you and your team on cricket's inclusion in the @LA28 Games - and beyond."
India clinched the Champions Trophy by overcoming New Zealand. In the semi-final, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. After losing Cooper Connolly early, Travis Head (39 runs off 33 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes) formed a 50-run partnership with Steve Smith. Smith continued to build on this momentum, contributing to half-century partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne (29 runs off 36 balls, with two fours and a six) and Alex Carey (61 runs off 57 balls, featuring eight fours and a six).
Carey remained at the crease until the 48th over, when a brilliant direct hit from Shreyas Iyer ended his innings. Australia was ultimately bowled out for 264 runs in 49.3 overs.
For India, Shami was the standout bowler with figures of 3/48, while Varun Chakravarthy (2/49) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/40) also made significant contributions with their spin bowling. Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya each took one wicket.
In India's run chase, they faced early setbacks, losing captain Rohit Sharma (28 runs off 29 balls, with three fours and a six) and Shubman Gill (8), leaving them at 43/2. However, a crucial 91-run partnership between Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (45 runs off 62 balls, with three fours) revitalized India's innings. Virat also shared a brief 44-run partnership with Axar Patel (27 runs off 30 balls, including a four and a six) and a 47-run partnership with KL Rahul (42 not out off 34 balls, with two fours and two sixes).
Hardik Pandya provided a quick and explosive contribution, scoring 28 runs off 24 balls, which included one four and three sixes, helping India secure victory. India finished their innings at 267/6 in 48.1 overs.
For Australia, Nathan Ellis (2/48) and Adam Zampa (2/60) were the leading bowlers.
