Congratulations to the Bangladesh Women’s Cricket team for their historic victory at the everyone’s attention, it is time to talk seriously about investing in women’s cricket. From the grassroots right up to the main ICC Women’s World Cup. Getting team, there is no excuse for the first victory in their first world cup was always going to be special, but to do it against Pakistan, while posting their highest ever ODI total, and that too in the auspicious month of independence, made it all the more special.
This is indeed a historic moment for cricket in Bangladesh. Yet, immediately, it compels us to ask more questions than answers. While this is a moment to celebrate, and reserve the highest of praises for the players and the coaching staff and everyone who is part of the collective team, the obvious question is this: Have we done enough for women’s cricket in Bangladesh?
Now that this victory has a cricket loving nation such as Bangladesh to not do so, particularly because, from the results, it shows that these women are more than ready to take their game to the next level. The people too have a part to play, by supporting these athletes who put their heart and soul into playing this game while representing our country.
Globally, women’s sports have always taken a backseat to the men’s, not just in termscof the disparity in pay, but also in opportunities, training, and overall exposure. If we want to break away from this unpleasant narrative, then now is the opportune moment to invest in our female athletes, not just cricket, but across all sports.