Priority for Women's Cricket is Essential: From Mandira Bedi to the World Cup – The Pride of Karnataka Must Shine

07 Nov, 2025

 The Indian Women’s Cricket Team recently made history by winning the World Cup. While this victory reflects the sporting power of women, behind this success lies decades of struggle, humiliation, and the sacrifices of 'unsung warriors' like Mandira Bedi. Granting Women’s Cricket the towering status enjoyed by Men’s Cricket is crucial for India today.

 

A Comparative Picture of Men's and Women's Cricket and the Harsh Reality
 

Despite immense progress in recent years, the harsh reality is that Women's Cricket still lags behind Men's Cricket in terms of infrastructure, promotion, and financial support. Recalling the early 2000s, Men's Cricket matches received massive sponsorships, excellent infrastructure, and full media backing. However, at the same time, women players had to travel in general class coaches on trains, often at their own expense. Financial support was so minimal that even after winning a series against a strong team like New Zealand, each player received only ₹7,500. It was a difficult situation where such meagre financial aid made it impossible to pursue the sport as a full-time career.

The notion that cricket was solely a men's game was widespread. Women playing cricket faced numerous criticisms. Chief among them were social restrictions like, 'Playing in the sun will darken the complexion, affecting marriage prospects,' and 'There is no security for their life, etc.' Consequently, parents hesitated to allow their daughters to play cricket. Furthermore, there was discrimination in media and broadcasting platforms. While mostly retired male cricketers enjoyed respect and authority on expert panels, presenters like Mandira Bedi faced neglect, unanswered questions, and were subjected to humiliation, being called a 'dummy' by former male players. Looking at the current situation, while thousands of crores of rupees flow from the IPL and international men's leagues, even with the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), it clearly lags behind the men's league in financial valuation and promotion.

 

The Effort of Our Proud Daughters of Karnataka
 

The role of women from Karnataka has been decisive and unforgettable in the glorious journey of the Indian Women's Cricket Team. Many players from our Kannada soil have strengthened the national team despite financial constraints.

Veda Krishnamurthy: Hailing from Kadur, Veda Krishnamurthy has shone as a key middle-order batter for the Indian team. Players like Veda, even without the priority given to Men's Cricket, trained rigorously in Bengaluru and made their mark at the national level.

Vanitha V.R.: Vanitha V.R. from Bengaluru consistently performed for the Women's Cricket Team for many years. Despite financial instability, she did not give up the game and persevered through her hard work.

Rajeshwari Gayakwad: Coming from a small area like Vijayapura district, Rajeshwari Gayakwad is a pillar of the Indian spin attack. It is a matter of great pride for Karnataka that a player from the Bayalu Seeme (plains region) played a crucial role in tournaments like the World Cup.

Just as these players overcame challenges to succeed, they have become an inspiration for many young women in the state. However, everyone must agree that more sports promotion is necessary in their home state of Karnataka to continue their success as a national pride.

 

The Struggle and Sacrifice of Mandira Bedi, a Beacon of Hope
 

Mandira Bedi was not just limited to the TV screen; she pioneered the financial revolution in Women's Cricket. During 2004-05, when Women's Cricket lacked complete financial and sponsorship support, Mandira used her personal influence. As the brand ambassador for Asmi Jewellery, she donated her entire endorsement fee to the WCAI (Women's Cricket Association of India). Most notably, this money was used to purchase flight tickets for the Indian team scheduled to tour England. It was a time when the private earnings of an actress had to be used to buy flight tickets for the team representing the country. It was only after this sacrificial step by Mandira that companies like Asmi became sponsors for the team. Later, large corporations like Sahara began to show interest. It is unforgettable that the BCCI took over Women's Cricket in 2006, building on the foundation laid by Mandira, and subsequently worked to improve facilities.

 

The Necessity of Prioritising Women's Cricket
 

Today, the Indian Women's Cricket Team has overcome decades of humiliation and hardship by delivering world-class performances. It has grown into a symbol of our collective pride. Sports experts believe that some immediate key steps must be taken to continue this pride and grant Women's Cricket equal status to Men's Cricket.

Professional Equality and Infrastructure Investment: Although the BCCI has already announced equality in Match Fees, efforts must be made to narrow the gap in Annual Contract values, brand endorsements, and WPL salaries. The players must be provided easy access to the best coaches, physiotherapists, analysts, and high-quality training grounds, similar to what the men's team receives.

Promotion and Broadcasting Policy: Promotion and broadcasting on TV and digital media should be mandated not only for major tournaments like the World Cup but also for Bilateral Series and domestic matches. This will inspire young players and attract new sponsors.

Change in Social Mindset: Women's Cricket must be actively encouraged in stadiums, media, and schools/colleges. The message that a cricket career offers financial security and social prestige to girls must be widely spread.

Only when Women's Cricket is accepted not just as a sports discipline but as a tool for national pride, gender equality, and the empowerment of female strength, can India achieve comprehensive progress in the world of sports. The responsibility to carry this tower of success, which stands on the foundation of Mandira Bedi's sacrifice, further heights, now rests on all of us.

Shrinath Joshi, Siddar
9060188081

Publisher: ಕನ್ನಡ ನಾಡು | Kannada Naadu