- History is replete with instances where any epochal occurrences invariably lead to hitherto considered improbable issues, not only receiving great traction from the recent success achieved but also acting as a platform for greater things to come during later years. A similar scenario could be observed with the Indian Women’s cricket team winning the recently concluded 50-over World Cup after defeating South Africa in an emotionally charged atmosphere in Navi Mumbai. The team’s path to the finals was interspersed with ups and downs. And at one point in time, Team India lost three consecutive league games against South Africa, England, and Australia. Due credit to the resilience of the team for making it to the finals despite such setbacks.
PC: Moneycontrol
- Of course, any team sport is all about contributions from every player at critical junctures that would make a huge difference in the end analysis. A few runs saved, a crucial catch or two taken, converting ones into two and two into threes, all these small contributions leave a definite impact. Team India was well served by a healthy blend of youth and experience, leading to crossing the final hurdles with flying colours. One thing is for sure: even though cricket is no less than a religion in the country, women’s cricket was lacking what men’s cricket received vis-à-visattention, heft, backing, following, money, and popularity. With this win, women’s cricket will take a different approach, with more interest being generated from different quarters. Don’t be surprised.
PC: Cricbuzz.com
- As we know, male cricketers in India enjoy an unprecedented popularity and following as more sponsors gobble up superstars to endorse their products. The monumental endorsement fees charged by some of the top superstars are simply mind-boggling. So much so that cricketers are considered no less than fancied movie superstars and other celebrated personalities representing diverse fields. This scenario is going to change in the coming days, with the brand values of talented cricketers like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shefali Verma, and Deepti Sharma will change, raking in substantial moolah as endorsement fees. Most welcomingly, the standard and quality of women’s cricket have undergone a sea change for good. That’s a huge plus.
PC: The Times of India
- Further, as the 1983 cricket World Cup in England, won by Kapil Dev, completely metamorphosed the way the sport would be played in India and beyond, similar welcome changes can be anticipated for women’s cricket too. Remember, the huge following in India alone ensures that ICC’s 70% revenue gets generated here. With the World Cup win, expect the windfall for women’s cricket not only in India but elsewhere, too. Parents will not think twice before allowing/pushing girls to take up sport as a professional option. And the girls, too, would not mind going through the grind to grab attention/opportunity to excel. Thus, broadcasters, sponsors, business houses, and conglomerates will be gearing up to completely alter women’s cricket. This is guaranteed.
