Juhi Jain’s Post

Having grown up in India, cricket is next to religion in our country. It is one common emotion (apart from SRK) that brings all of us together. Though I am neither a huge cricket fan nor an expert, I did religiously follow the ICC World Cup 2023. Yesterday was quite special for a lot of Indians, a whole generation who witnessed the loss during the World Cup 2003 final against Australia was waiting to be avenged. From 2003 to 2023, many things have changed in the field of cricket in India. Like, in July 2023, BCCI announced "Equal pay for finishing in similar positions at comparable events, as well as the same amount for winning matches for both the cricket teams" bridging the pay gap for Cricketers. With many welcome changes in past years in Cricket and in many other sports in India, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. But one thing that is deeply embedded in our blood and society is the sexism in sports. Harbhajan's remark on Anushka and Athiya reflects the way cricket is still perceived as a men's arena not only when it comes to playing but also when women are as active viewers as their male counterparts. This remains one of the main reasons for the lack of participation in sports for girls and women. If sports have to be an equal playing field, male players have to start acting as allies and take their roles seriously. "What role male players are going to play in addressing sexism in sports?", "When are male players going to hold their team members responsible when such remarks are made?", "How can they be allies and not be gatekeepers of sports?" It is high time male players start playing significant roles outside the playing field and use their power and privilege in addressing issues like these.