Mithali Raj gifted a BMW in Hyderabad

Not many people followed women’s cricket before the World Cup 2017. However, after the tournament ended, women’s cricket in India is making more news than ever. That shows the impact of Indian cricket team’s remarkable performance in the recently concluded Women’s World Cup 2017. There were some great individual performances, be it Ekta Bisht’s fifer against Pakistan or Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 171 against Australia.

However, the team as a whole was exceptional. Not many would have expected them to reach the finals, especially after they had to play a qualifier to be eligible for the quadrennial event. Ever since their return home from England, the girls are receiving nationwide adulation.

There have been various felicitations already, one by the sports minister Vijay Goel, other by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other state level felicitations. And now, businessman V Chamundeswaranath gifted a BMW to skipper Mithali Raj on Tuesday, as a reward for her team’s performance in England.

“Mithali has been a great influence on Indian cricket. The way she has led the side is remarkable. For a number of years she has been the leading light of the Indian women’s cricket,” Chamundeswaranath had told TOI during an interview. “Our girls are performing quite well. We need to encourage women’s cricket in a big way. I think with their brilliant show in England they have brought a lot of attention to the women’s game. More girls will be inspired to take up cricket now,” he added.

Promote women’s cricket at grassroots level 

The team has already received recognition on the international front. However, it now remains to be seen how the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) promotes women’s cricket at the grassroots level. More tournaments need to be organized at the state level, along with more facilities and support.