Mithali issue rocks women’s cricket

Hyderabad: Even as the controversy in the Indian Women’s Cricket team rages on, women cricketers in the city are shocked to say the least. Sravanthi, a budding left-arm bowler and resident of Sainikpuri says, “Mithali di scored two half centuries and was named player of the match, yet she was dropped. We look up to her and feel sorry the way she is being treated.”

It may be recalled that another Hyderabadi, former Indian women’s cricket team captain, Purnima Rau was removed from captaincy in 1995 and later unceremoniously sacked as the coach of the Indian team. A senior cricketer on condition of anonymity said, “Mithali and other senior cricketers were responsible for Purnima’s ouster. It is coming back in full circle.”

Rajitha, a cricketer from Marredpally, says, “This is no way of treating the highest run getter. She deserves a better deal.” The present controversy has become the talking point in almost all the academies in the city including St John’s Academy, where Mithali visits when in the city. Rahul, a U-23 cricketer, says, “We knew there was politics but never imagined that it would be so deep. Mithali was not called even during the huddle in the final, which is surprising.”