Mithali Raj
Credits: Getty Images.

Indian veteran batswoman Mithali Raj believes that things for women’s cricket changed after the last year’s World Cup.

There is absolutely no denying that prior to last year’s World Cup heroics. The likes of Veda Krishnamurthy, Punam Raut, Sushma Verma were relatively unknown among the fans.

However, they became household names after the Women in Blue defied all the odds to make it to the finals of the tournament.

After qualifying for the main event by playing the qualifiers, Mithali Raj and Co. defeated the likes of England, New Zealand and Australia to make it to the grand finale which they lost by 11 runs.

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The brilliant performance, nevertheless, was lauded by one and all with recognition from all quarters.

Things Have Changed For Women's Cricket After World Cup: Mithali Raj
Photo Credit: Getty

From cash rewards from the Board for Cricket for Cricket in India (BCCI), various state governments to BMW cars, the women were showered with prizes and praises.

Not only that, the BCCI also organised a One-off women’s Indian Premier League (IPL) styled exhibition match this year.

“It hasn’t been very easy to take up a sport which was a very male-dominant sport back then in the 90s,” Mithali, who made her One-day International debut in 1999,” said.

The BCCI had taken the decision to provide the women’s game an IPL-like platform.

“I am sure after the World Cup things have changed (for women’s cricket). Perception about people in India has changed towards women’s cricket. And things look very good from now on under BCCI,” she added.

Things Have Changed For Women's Cricket After World Cup: Mithali Raj
Photo Credit: BCCI

Mithali was speaking at the launch of UN Women’s ‘Mujhe Haq Hai’ event. Tennis star Sania Mirza was also attending the event.

The cricket star further said her parents stood by her every time.

“I am sure, Sania will also agree that we had our parents to support us through thick and thin. That is why they have been the revolutionist to give us the stage and the platform and give us the independence to create our own identity,” she said.

Mithali Raj added that as an athlete the biggest challenge. She faced the perception of people that sport is not meant for women.

Mithali Raj
Credits: ESPN.

“We need to change the very mindset of our society because that has been the biggest challenge as women athletes we faced in our journey, the perception of people that sports is not meant for women,” Mithali concluded.

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