Prasoon Rakshit, Sports Secertary of Bengal Club, the beacon holder for womens cricket in Mumbai
Ever since cricket came into existence in India from 1932, the game has seen many dimensions. The perfect gentleman’s game till the 1970’s era, watched and followed by people from all walks of life. New format of limited over cricket was introduced in the 70’s which brought variety to the game.
The millennium saw, cricket taking new avatars. T20 shot into fame in the around 2005-2006 and along with it entered glamour, entertainment, money, and most importantly united the country more whenever India played in any format of the game. Spectators and viewership increased tremendously. Along with men, women too joined to be a part of supporters and spectators in large numbers.
While the game was mostly played by Men, Women had very little scope, in terms of playing. Be it playing at National level or International level, in a year ,it was left to cricket played to a very limited numbers of matches. The country did produce good women cricketers in the 1980s like Shanta Rangaswamy, Diana Eduljee but the general perception remained as to the game dominated and played by Men. If this had to change, then somewhere, somebody had to plant the seeds of this change. Change in terms from women just being a spectator to players.
Yes, Prasoon Rakshit (Sports secretary of Bengal club) for the past 6 years with the club, decided to bring in this change and got into the act last year. Women’s cricket to get parity with Men’s cricket in all terms and no discrimination between Men and Women was his and club’s main objective. One of the key factors being the Physical fitness level of women to be increased and thereby removing the perception that women cannot play the game harder.
Due credit to Mr. Rakshit who has been following up with MCA for the past 4 years and got permission last year to hold a tournament for women.
The first edition last year saw the event sponsored by Union Bank of India, while the second edition this year it is co-sponsored by D.Y.Patil sports academy with an initiative from Mr.Vijay Patil.
8 teams are playing this second edition (http://woment20ct2015.cricketgraph.com/) which already has began on March 13th 2015. They are MCA-1, MCA-2, Payyade, Sainath sports club, Mazgaon C.C., Kamat C.C., Sunrise C.C. and of course the hosts Bengal Club. To encourage and motivate the players cash prizes have been kept.The idea has been to create club culture and maidan culture ,and from the matches played till date from last year, 2 ladies have already got chance to play for Mumbai and Kerala. Next year will see the tournament grow bigger and better.Not just organizing matches but the club provides free coaching to women from age 8 onwards with renowned coach Mr. Lalchand Rajput and 3 other coaches providing their services in coaching. Providing Kits to players too has been the clubs focus.
Women’s cricket is being rewritten and this mission is here to stay. With more and more women ready to play the game hard, the bridge of parity also would be reduced too. That day is not far away.
We wish Mr. Rakshit all the very best in his endeavour.
By – Venkatraman Iyer
Sr. Editor www.cricketgraph.com