Over the past few decades, women’s cricket in Victoria has undergone a remarkable rise, fueled by increased opportunities, a booming international population growth, changing societal attitudes, and a wave of talented women keen to take up the bat.
In 2023, Cricket Victoria reported that in 2022 season, they saw “31,213 women and girls playing cricket, which included an incredible 93% year-on-year increase in Woolworths Cricket Blast (cricket’s entry level program) participation by girls”.
Cricket has long been considered a national pastime across both India and Australia, with the men’s game enjoying unparalleled popularity and success. However, for much of the 20th century, women’s cricket has struggled to find a significant place in the spotlight.
In the early years, the women’s game was seen as a curiosity rather than a serious pursuit for women. In Victoria, women’s cricket was mainly played in local clubs or informal leagues, with little support or visibility from the wider public.
The establishment of the Victorian Women’s Cricket Association in 1906 and later re-established in 1926, after the war, led the way in developing competitive opportunities for women at the state level.
Sports Journalist and community cricket participant Mrinal Asija recounts the rise as she has seen and experienced it.
“It’s no secret that Indians love cricket,” she reflects.
“But the opportunities to play organised cricket beyond a certain age are limited back in the country, especially for women. For many Indian immigrants, the social and community cricket landscape in Victoria opens up an avenue to rediscover a childhood passion or to take part in the sport beyond the confines of one’s courtyard or street.
“The growing Indian population of Australia has resulted in Singh becoming the most registered surname amongst participants in Australian cricket. While men and boys make up a large portion of these representation figures, the participation of women and girls of Indian background is on the rise.
“In my two years of playing for the Youlden Parkville Cricket Club in Melbourne, I have observed that having other family members actively involved with the club often pulls women and girls into the sport.
“That is helped by the club’s initiative to engage the community beyond matches. Recently, we hosted our annual Curry Night—a celebration of the club’s South Asian community. By creating opportunities for women from the families of male players to interact with those playing for the women’s teams, such events often encourage them to give cricket a try.
“The increased participation of women from the subcontinent in grassroots cricket will gradually fuel their rise to the professional level.
“This season, leg-spin allrounder Hasrat Gill earned her maiden Victorian cap in the Women’s National Cricket League.
“A look at the Premier Cricket squads will suggest there will be many more Indian-origin girls following her in near future and it won’t be long before Alana King is not the sole representative of the community in the Australian side.”
This piece was produced in collaboration with the Victorian Government’s Office for Women in Sport and Recreation.
Tayla Oates is a graduate of the Change Our Game Women in Sports Media Program
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