On September 14, India will play Pakistan in Dubai at the Asia Cup. It is understandable that most eyeballs will be on that game, which – against the backdrop of Operation Sindoor – isn’t just a normal T20 encounter. There are other considerations attached to it, and the setting of the game will be different. On the same day, India Women will play Australia Women in Mullanpur. It is the first of a three-match series building up to the World Cup at home. While there is little buzz, it is essential we back the women as they get ready to play an all-important home World Cup.
India-Pakistan is in Dubai. It takes some doing to get there. You have to spend on flights, hotels, visas and much else to travel to the Emirates. It is an expensive proposition for most. Mullanpur is easy to get to. Every media house has a bureau in New Delhi, and to travel to Mullanpur is easy. The point is the intent. You need to have the desire the back the sport, and support the girls. If there is a will, there is always a way. In fact, the women’s games are an opportunity. To show our support and concern, and make a difference.
We at RevSportz will have Trisha Ghosal and Snehasis Mukherjee travelling right through the World Cup. From Mullanpur to the warm-up games in Guwahati, we believe it is an opportunity for the women to make history. Our reporters ought to be there. They will be in Colombo for the India v Pakistan match as well, and it is essential to report how things are. For a home World Cup, to play Pakistan at a neutral venue is a first, and it will be key to back the girls.
As a tournament, the World Cup is the pinnacle of the women’s game. There is no World Test Championship (WTC) for the women yet, and the 50-over World Cup is India’s best chance. We have played the format well, and it is suited to some of our players like Deepti Sharma. In sum, it is a format where India can excel and make a mark. And while the build-up clashes with the Asia Cup in Dubai, that can’t be an excuse to not cover it or give it adequate importance.
The ICC has already done its bit by increasing the prize money. It is now more than what it was for the 2023 men’s World Cup and, may I say, that is a fantastic gesture. The opening ceremony in Guwahati, moved from Bengaluru, will see Shreya Ghoshal performing to set the tone. It will help create the hype and add to the occasion. If the Indian girls led by Harmanpreet Kaur start well, this tournament could well be one the fans really get behind.
Women’s cricket needs its 1983 moment and the World Cup is the best opportunity. In front of home fans and at grounds like DY Patil, where India have played a lot of their cricket in recent times. I, for one, am very optimistic. Hence, it is key that we back it in every way and add to the campaign.
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