‘Wouldn’t Let Women’s Cricket Happen’: N Srinivasan’s Old Remark Resurfaces After India’s World Cup Win

Once dismissed and overlooked, Indian women's cricket has scripted one of the most inspiring turnarounds in sporting history. As Harmanpreet Kaur led India to their maiden ODI World Cup triumph, the victory also rekindled old memories of neglect - particularly those linked to former BCCI president N. Srinivasan's dismissive attitude towards women's cricket.

Former India captain Diana Edulji had once recalled her interaction with Srinivasan during his BCCI tenure. "When Mr. Srinivasan became president, I went to congratulate him at the Wankhede Stadium. He said, 'If I had my way, I wouldn't let women's cricket happen.' He hates women's cricket," Edulji had revealed back in 2017, after India narrowly missed the World Cup that year.

Edulji, a long-time advocate for women's cricket, has often criticised the BCCI for being a male-dominated institution reluctant to give women leadership roles. However, the picture has changed in recent years. Under BCCI secretary Jay Shah, the board has taken major steps to uplift women's cricket - from launching the Women's Premier League (WPL) to introducing equal match fees for men and women cricketers.

India's World Cup victory stands as a testament to this transformation. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose leadership faced criticism after a rough patch in the league stage, inspired her team to bounce back in style during the knockouts. "Criticism is a part of life. It helps maintain balance and keeps us grounded," Kaur said after the final, emphasising her focus on composure and team unity.

Her philosophy of maintaining equilibrium - staying humble in victory and resilient in defeat - has shaped India's new cricketing culture.

The evolution of women's cricket in India now mirrors a larger movement towards gender equality in sports. What began as a fight for recognition has evolved into a story of pride, resilience, and empowerment. With the World Cup now in their hands, India's women have not just conquered the field - they've rewritten the narrative of Indian cricket itself.