The IPL recently ended and for me the high point wasn’t the Mumbai Indians winning, or the post-world cup rebound or the general buzz, but it was the inclusion of women commentators!
Don’t get me wrong. I would be the last person to make this a big deal because it isn’t exactly a gender specific job profile. But as normal as it should be, it is unfortunately not and so let’s talk about it. Just for a bit.
So here goes:
The first time I heard her during a match I let out a squeal of excitement: Oh my god! Female commentator!
As a girl in love with the game, and with sports in general, I have always wondered why commentators were never female. And I wondered what would happened if that changed.
But I always felt that if it were to change, as all things are, it would be accompanied by reactions: both good and bad (and hopefully not ugly). People are so opinionated these days, that they want to comment on everything and there would be constant comparisons and any slip up may be the biggest deal.
But as a pleasant surprise, this was not the case. They were accepted and welcomed with warmth and open arms.
Here’s a little bit about each of them:
Anjum Chopra
She is former Indian cricket team captain and a cricket expert as well. She has been playing cricket since she was 9 and made her international debut at the age of 17.
Isa Guha
Although of Indian origin, she is former England fast bowler. She was a part of the World Cup winning team in 2009 and this has been the highlight of her career.
Lisa Sthalekar
She is an Indian born former Australian cricketer. She is an all-rounder and retired just two years ago, after winning the World Cup in 2013.
Melanie Jones
Although she was born in England, she has formerly played international cricket for Australia. She is a batsman and occasional medium pace bowler.
The IPL comes with job opportunities and not just for the players and this has been the most recent one. It is truly a welcoming change.
For what is more is that they are absolutely brilliant! In no time, they will be giving the well established a run for their money.
Maybe this is opening a door for international cricket as well? Maybe we will see (I mean hear) more women in the T20 World Cup next year!
Well for starters, let’s stop calling them women or female commentators and maybe just commentators? Who is your new favourite?!
PS: I will have to admit, that it is a little bittersweet because I would have loved to have been the first. But oh well, life goals: maybe in a few years!
