-Boria Majumdar
For the longest time we have been saying this. Finally, the dream is real. The game has changed. Lives altered. Aspirations fuelled. Careers shaped. The lament is finally a thing of the past. Unless we make stars out of the girls who are the chosen few in a billion to represent India, the stock of the sport will never go higher. And to do so we need good storytelling. WPL is a story for the ages. The auction is straight out of a fairytale. We needed corporates to come forward and back the stories. Back the girls who have created history. Back the host broadcaster and other platforms who do quality programming on the women’s game. There has to be a buzz for the masses to consume and get behind the sport and that’s what is finally happening with the WPL. And the auction has only accelerated the process. When Smriti Mandhana was sold for 3.4 crores there was huge celebration in the Indian dressing room in South Africa. But the story had just started. She was followed by Harman, then Deepti, then Richa and Jemima and monies were flowing. The game had changed. It just doesn’t have one superstar in Smriti. It has many. And that’s why it is a revolution of sorts. Rather, the start of a revolution.
For the longest time Mithali and Jhulan were a cause. They were/are role models and more importantly are an emotion for us all. Honestly speaking they don’t come easy. 40 years of devotion to a cause and that too with this level of success is unheard of and it is important we make the most of this opportunity. Now they are mentors. We can expect them to give back to the sport they have enriched with their lives. Things just can’t be better. Each one of our legends now have the means to be associated with the sport. Shape future careers and groom talent. And in the process make serious money.
What we now need to do is ensure we as a country consumes every WPL game for if that’s done we will have created the next Mithali and the next Jhulan. The more we watch the more our girls will feel inspired. With money and glamour, the sport is now a viable career. It is a lucrative livelihood option as well. The foundation has been laid. Aspirations nurtured and dreams encouraged. With just 2 weeks to go for the first ball and with the women’s world cup already underway, it is time we all step up. Back the team and back the sport. Get behind the girls and build momentum. They deserve better and so does India. The auction has proved it. Corporates breaking their bank for these girls is reflective of a new India. A country that is finally taking strides towards equality and inclusivity. Yes there is still some distance to travel but a start has finally been made. Unless we all stay firm and back things up going forward, it will be an opportunity lost. The WPL is a story for the present and the future. A future that is Indian. The auction is proof.