Women's Cricket - Is it getting better for Indian Eves?

I wonder when will the gentlemen’s game also be equally called as the ladies’ game. I hope, soon enough. And I say that because there are those like Jhulan Goswami, Mithali Raj (highest run scorer for India), Harmanpreet Kaur, Anjum Chopra and others who have been the torch bearers of Indian Women’s cricket, along with Diana Edulji, who was among the first few women cricketers in India.

Having said that, one question comes to my mind. Are the Indian eves getting their worth? Will a girl really passionate about cricket, and equally talented, have to do something a la Rani Mukherjee in Dil Bole Hadippa, where the actress pretends she is a man, because she wants to be in the cricket team? Thankfully, things aren’t that bad, but can definitely be much better.

It basically starts from the fact that those girls who like cricket and actually do play it are looked upon as outcasts. If a girl is totally into a sport, that too like cricket, it is against her inherent nature. If you like tennis, you are a ‘GIRL’ girl. But cricket, ah! No, that cannot be. So, that is why, one doesn’t see a group of girls generally playing cricket as much as the boys. That is because, the parents are against girls playing a quintessentially men’s game and are taught to be away from such sports since childhood.

The fact that initially the regulating authority for women’s cricket was different – Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) – says a lot about the attitude in general about women playing the game. Consider this – according to a bbc’s report in February 2013 on Women’s World Cup and consequently women’s cricket in India, the fee for a woman playing in a domestic one-day match was 2,500 Rupees (£30) and only 1,250 Rupees (£15) for a Twenty20. These figures were given by none other than Diana Edulji. We all know how handsomely the men are paid even when they lose matches!

Likewise, Ananya Upendran, a Hyderabad Senior team player, has elucidated in one her articles on a popular sports portal about what the problems gripping women’s cricket in India are. Right from finding a proper coach to getting opportunities to play and the development of the game at the grassroot levels, there are quite a few issues preventing girls from pursuing this sport.

Those who reach the state level have to face different problems like lack of proper infrastructure. Yes, sometimes interstate zonal teams are put up in a dorm with girls from maybe 2 other teams with horrendous washrooms and no proper changing rooms. When I had been for one such match to represent Pune City zone, at Nashik, we went without having a bath for a couple of days.

Considering this, it does not come as a surprise that initially girls had to pay to play matches. Sounds hard to believe, right? But yes, that was the case. Now, however, things have changed, over the past few years. From the time to when the girls had to pay to play, now the women’s team is paid, which is definitely a good thing.

Additionally, even if ever so slightly, the attitude towards women playing cricket too is changing. Indian Eves have made their mark by winning Asia Cup 4 times and reached the finals of the 2005 World Cup where they played against Australia. There definitely is an increased awareness about women’s cricket events, thanks to the increasing media coverage. Those who are interested are abreast of the happenings know that Jhulan Goswami is the star bowler for India.

Soniya Dabir, who has played with the likes of Jhulan Goswami and Mithali Raj and has represented Indian at the international level says, “It is heartening to see 10-12 year old girls enrolling at PYC Gymkhana, Pune.” Ask about the mindset about women pursuing the game and she adds, “I have to say that the mentality of people about girls playing cricket is changing for good. Many a times we have practiced and even today practice with the boys. But we are never looked down upon because we are girls.

Plus, the merger of WCAI with the BCCI has given a good boost to the players, as now we get better grounds to play and overall better facilities. Cricket gear brands approach slightly senior level players and provide them quality cricket kits.” Having said this, she also believes that girls should lift their game, there has to be more aggression. It has to start from school level. The national and senior teams need to play well consistently and win more matches. She opines that there is a lot of scope not just when it comes playing, but umpiring and scoring as well.

The picture, in all definitely looks optimistic. Although, there is a lot of scope for improvement. We have come a long way since the team played its first test match in 1976. However, as Robert Frost said, “But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep”.