A Gavaskar’ remembers early struggles of women’s cricket in India

Former India cricketer Nutan Gavaskar, one of the pioneering figures of women’s cricket in the country, has recalled the hardships faced by players during the formative years of the sport in the 1970s.

Speaking ahead of the Women’s World Cup final in Mumbai, Nutan — the younger sister of legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar — reflected on how passion and perseverance kept the women’s game alive despite the absence of money, sponsors, and recognition.

“There was no money, and foreign tours were an ordeal. But the women of that era played purely for the love of the game and the pride of representing India,” she said.

She remembered instances where players stayed at NRI homes during overseas tours and even had their flight expenses arranged by an actress — a testament to the challenges they faced and the collective spirit that kept the sport going.

The Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI), formed in 1973, managed the women’s game until 2006, when the BCCI brought it under its fold. “Those were days of struggle, but also of unbreakable passion,” Nutan added, honouring the pioneering cricketers who laid the foundation for today’s generation.