With a vision to revolutionize the perception of women’s cricket globally, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) emerged as a powerful platform. Ahead of their anticipated clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, cricketers from the Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz delivered a resounding message on International Women’s Day.
Captains Meg Lanning and Alyssa Healy unveiled a striking banner, echoing the sentiment “SHE BELIEVES, WE BELIEVE,” celebrating their achievements while highlighting ongoing challenges.
In a heartfelt video before the match, players opened up about the hurdles they faced in a predominantly male-dominated sport. Meg Lanning, Delhi Capitals’ skipper, emphasized the unseen dedication and mental fortitude required for champions: “They say champions are made when nobody is watching. It’s hard on the body and possibly harder on the mind.”
Similarly, Deepti Sharma of UP Warriorz illuminated the societal obstacles female cricketers encounter: “Playing cricket for girls was similar to going to war. People still say, who watches women’s cricket.”
Poonam Yadav, another key player for the Capitals, shared her personal struggles: “Everyone used to ask why did I keep watching the men’s game.”
These reflections encapsulate the challenges, perseverance, and triumphs of women’s cricket today, highlighting the journey of battling both opponents on the pitch and societal prejudices.
As the Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz gear up for their clash in WPL 2024, their actions and words off the field have already left a profound impact, shedding light on the progress made and the road ahead towards achieving full equality in sports.
