Inspired by the Indian women's cricket team's global success, a new chapter for women in sports is unfolding in Prayagraj. For the first time, the Prayagraj Sindhi Premier League (PSPL) will feature a dedicated women's tournament, with four teams comprising homemakers from the local Sindhi community ready to take the field. The league, modeled on the popular Indian Premier League (IPL) format but played with a tennis ball, kicks off on December 17.
Homemakers Step Onto the Cricket Pitch
The tournament is organized by the Prayagraj Sindhi Youth Association (PSYA). The four competing teams are Plazo Titans, Dental Zone Sindh Fighters, Queen Strikes, and Regal Queens. All matches will be played at the DSA field. In a remarkable detail, every participant is a homemaker, not a professional athlete, with ages ranging from 18 to 40 years.
Nikhil Malang, president of PSYA, emphasized the inclusive nature of the event. He confirmed that this initiative is specifically designed to involve women from the community, providing them a platform they previously lacked. The teams have owners and coaches, mirroring the professional structure of the IPL, and have been rigorously practicing for three to four hours daily at CSA Park and Lukerganj grounds.
A Powerful Message of Empowerment
The driving force behind introducing women's matches is a strong social message. Rishi Keswani, Chairman of PSYA, stated that the primary reason is to spread women empowerment. The league aims to shatter stereotypes and clearly communicate that women are an integral and equal part of the Sindhi community, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with men.
The women's matches are scheduled for December 21 and 25, during the league period which concludes on December 25. This provides a focused spotlight on the debutantes.
Players Dedicate Themselves to a New Challenge
The participating women are balancing their domestic responsibilities with their newfound passion for cricket, viewing it as a historic opportunity. Player Nisha Malang, who practices daily, expressed excitement about this first chance to showcase their caliber and create a success story. She highlighted the team's commitment to honing their batting and bowling skills despite busy schedules.
Another player, Priyanka Ahuja, echoed the sentiment, noting the significance of women progressing in all fields, including sports. For many, this will be their first experience scoring runs on a proper cricket ground. Nisha Keswani added that despite it being tennis ball cricket, they are receiving formal coaching, preparing them to script memorable success stories on their local ground.
This initiative in Prayagraj marks a significant step towards inclusivity in community sports, transforming local grounds into arenas of aspiration and change for women.
