OFBJP Malaysia Women’s Cricket Tournament Doubles In Scale

By Farah Najihah Zuraimi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- From cheering on the sidelines to stepping onto the cricket field themselves, more women among the Indian diaspora in Malaysia are taking up the sport through the growing Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) Malaysia Women’s Cricket Tournament.

Held today at IWK Eco Park, the tournament expanded from four teams in previous editions since its introduction in 2023 to eight teams this year, involving 72 women players.

OFBJP Malaysia women’s wing president Shalini Kothari said the tournament was introduced to encourage more women to take part in cricket, a sport often dominated by men.

"In India, we grew up seeing cricket as a sport for everyone, yet it was always the men playing while we cheered. I thought, why not step into their shoes and see how women can perform on the ground?" she told Bernama, here today. 

She said the initiative also promotes fitness, teamwork and social interaction, especially among participants who are working professionals and mothers.

Reflecting on the journey since 2023, Shalini noted that the early days were met with challenges including sourcing equipment like bats and kits as well as finding suitable indoor grounds to accommodate Malaysia’s unpredictable weather.

"Now, after three years, the players are becoming pros. They are taking coaching sessions and coming prepared for a competitive game, not just a friendly match. We have 72 women playing today," she said. 

Shalini also revealed that the Malaysian Cricket Association has been instrumental in providing  support and expressed her desire to bridge the gap between expatriate and local communities by inviting Malaysians to join future editions to help build a stronger cricket ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Cricket Association president Mahinda Vallipuram lauded the initiative by noting that the tournament’s growth is a testament to the rising interest in women's cricket and emphasised that community-led events are crucial in complementing MCA’s efforts to promote the sport. 

He said increased involvement from organisations and communities could create more opportunities for both expatriate and local players to improve their skills and contribute to the sport’s growth in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA