TeaThe BCCI made headlines when it announced pay parity for Indian women cricketers and it is being seen as a historic moment that promises to bring more equality in the game. After all, cricket is the source of the game in India. How do I see the board announcement? When you look at the history of women’s cricket and compare it with the parallel institutional support received by the men’s team, still baby steps. They say what is in a name. I dare say, too many names carve you into history, make you an icon, give you the opportunity to inspire and mark a gateway to a fascinating story that needs to be told. Motivation plays a big role in sports and names inspire.
What do Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy have in common? They serve as a reminder of the rich legacy left by these stalwarts of men’s cricket. Can you remember a domestic tournament named after a woman cricketer? Despite their spirited performances and a pool of legends over the past two decades across the globe, the cricket administration in India is yet to recognize the right amount of respect that these players deserve.
A look at the home rosters of BCCI’s men’s and women’s cricket tournaments might leave you curious.
A common saying to justify the absence of any major tournaments on the Indian circuit named after women cricketers is: ‘Women’s cricket is in a developing stage’ or ‘Are there any legends in women’s cricket?’ These statements only expose the ignorance prevailing in our society and sports administration.
Amidst these unintentional reactions, people write off the immense contributions of veteran women cricketers of the 70s and 80s – Diana Edulji, Shantha Rangaswamy, Shubhangi Kulkarni, Neelima Joglekar, Sudha Shah, Sandhya Agarwal and many more. Edulji, Rangaswamy, Kulkarni are the ‘founding mothers’ of women’s cricket in India.
Edulji, the third-highest wicket-taker in the international Test format, has struggled to make ends meet.
Rangaswamy has three firsts for Indian women cricketers – first Test century, first six and first Test captain. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the BCCI but no tournament has been named after him.
The 1970s and 80s sowed the seeds of women’s cricket in India. Today, we have Anjum Chopra, Mithali Rajas and other superheroes.
Barring two gates at New Delhi’s Kotla Stadium, which was named after Anjum Chopra in 2017, and a few Life-Time Achievement Awards, the legacy of women cricketers still awaits its proper appreciation.
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Before BCCI took over women’s cricket in 2006, the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI), which led women’s cricket in the country, organized three domestic tournaments: the Rani Jhansi Trophy (multi-day), Indira Priyadarshini Trophy, and Rao Cup. However, after the BCCI took over women’s cricket, which was not an amicable transfer from WCAI, the Rani Jhansi Trophy and Indira Priyadarshini Trophy were discontinued.
Sixteen years after the BCCI took control of women’s cricket in India, it would be difficult for the cricket board to explain this lapse.
Do you know that the inspiration for the prestigious Men’s World Cup, which has gained a lot of fame from every cricket-crazy country in the world, has been inspired by the Women’s Cricket World Cup? It was the success of the 1973 Women’s World Cup that encouraged the ICC to introduce a cup for men as well. The legacy of women cricketers should continue to carry on in the domestic circuit which should happen naturally.
Can one refuse to compare the date of its inception for women’s cricketers to that of men’s cricket? The delay in the start of women’s cricket can be attributed to patriarchal mindset more than lack of funds or viewership. In 1963, England men’s captain Len Hutton said during a charity match against a women’s side that playing women’s cricket was “absurd, trying to weave like a man.” Until 1914, women’s cricket was considered more entertainment than sport and they played secretly to avoid ’embarrassment’.
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Speaking to ThePrint, former India captain Anjum Chopra said, “Women’s cricket is still gaining ground in the domestic circuit, thus, whether to name a trophy after a woman cricketer is not on my priority list. Is. First BCCI should straighten the domestic roster which keeps on changing.
However, what WCAI did for women’s cricket shows how intent plays a big part in acknowledging the legacy. Despite the paucity of funds, she continued to organize Ranji Jhansi Trophy, Rau Cup and even sub-junior tournaments for women’s cricket. Naming a cup or a trophy will not come in the way of the development of domestic cricket. Rather, it will connect the youth to the rich history of women’s cricket.
Former India captain and coach, Poornima Rao said: “Indeed, there are some great Indian women cricketers who could be the best candidates for the naming of the domestic tournament. Diana and Shanta definitely come to my mind. But it is important to do it in a democratic way.”
Suryanshi is a freelance journalist based in New Delhi. She tweets @UnfilteredSP. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Anurag Choubey)