Cricket is not just a sport in India, it is a way of life. For many years, the Indian men’s cricket team has dominated the international stage, becoming a symbol of national pride. However, in recent years, the women’s cricket team has also made waves, proving that women too can excel in the gentleman’s game. In this article, we take a close look at the journey of live women’s cricket in India, its current status and the key player who is often referred to as the “father of Indian cricket”.
The Emergence of Live Women’s Cricket in India
The history of women’s cricket in India can be traced back to the early 1970s when the first women’s cricket team was formed. However, it was in the 1990s that women’s cricket gained recognition and acceptance in India. With the establishment of the Women’s Cricket Association of India, there was a steady growth in the number of women’s cricket teams and tournaments. But it was in 2006 when things really started to change for the better.
The Introduction of MPL Cricket Live and its Impact on Women’s Cricket
In 2006, the Indian Premier League introduced a new tournament – MPL cricket live, which has now become the most coveted T20 league in the world. This move by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) not only revolutionized the sport in the country but also opened doors for the growth of women’s cricket. The success and popularity of the IPL inspired the launch of the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2018, providing a platform for top international players to showcase their skills alongside Indian players.
The India-England Rivalry: A Game-Changer for Women’s Cricket
The India-England rivalry is considered to be one of the biggest and most intense in cricket. And when it comes to live women’s cricket, these two teams have been at the forefront, ensuring that each game is filled with excitement and nail-biting moments. It was in 2017 when India played host to their arch-rivals, England, in a historic live women’s cricket match played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This was the first time in 12 years that India had hosted an international women’s cricket match, and the game was a huge success, drawing in a record-breaking crowd and TV viewership.
The Father of Indian Cricket: Jhulan Goswami
When we think of the “father of Indian cricket”, the first name that comes to mind is Sachin Tendulkar. However, the man who is often referred to as the father of Indian women’s cricket is Jhulan Goswami – the leading wicket-taker in women’s cricket with more than 200 international wickets. Born in a small village in West Bengal, Goswami’s journey to becoming a world-class cricketer is nothing short of inspiring.
After making her debut for India at the young age of 19, Goswami went on to become the first Indian bowler to take 100 ODI wickets, and also the first Indian woman to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Year award in 2007. She has also led the team to many victories, including the semi-final of the 2017 Women’s World Cup where she took 3 crucial wickets. Goswami’s contributions to live women’s cricket in India have been immense, and she continues to inspire and pave the way for young girls to take up the sport.
In conclusion, it is evident that live women’s cricket in India has come a long way and continues to grow with each passing year. The support from the BCCI, the rise of T20 leagues like MPL cricket live, and the passion and determination of players like Jhulan Goswami have all played a vital role in the success and popularity of women’s cricket. With the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in 2022 and the continuous push for gender equality in the sport, we can only expect bigger and better things from the Indian women’s cricket team in the years to come.