IPL has come up with a new idea of honouring Women’s contribution to Indian Cricket for years. Former India star Neetu David and wicket-keeper Rita Dey arrived at the Green Park Stadium during the ongoing Gujarat lions and Delhi Daredevils match.
Neetu received a cheque of INR 30 lakhs (for playing 25 matches) while Rita was handed a cheque of Rs 10 lakhs (for playing 1-9 matches).
They got all nostalgic about being in Kanpur, their home ground.
“This is my home ground and I have trained here all my life. My coach is also here and to be honoured in Kanpur feels wonderful. I’d like to thank the BCCI, the COA, my colleagues, captains, officials and all those who supported me. I would like to thank Diana Edulji. This is a great step. We feel proud that our contribution has been recognised,” said Dey.
For Neetu it was exciting to come and witness another match of cricket on home ground.
“I have played a lot of cricket here and this is the first time I have come to watch a match. It feels amazing.I am very happy that through IPL we have been given a one-time benefit amount. It is a big honour and a big boost to women’s cricket in India. The next generation will also benefit from this and we can further improve women’s cricket in the country.” she exclaimed.
David was the first Indian Women to take 100 ODI wickets and she came all in praise for Jhulan who became the leading wicket takers in ODI recently.
“It is a big achievement. It a such a huge milestone to reach and it will have a tremendous impact on the young girls who are playing cricket currently. She is an inspiration to so many cricketers,” She said.
She picked up 141 wickets in just 97 ODI matches during her 13-year long career. With Goswami, she is the only other Indian to feature in top five wicket takers list in ODIs. David also holds the record for best bowling figures in an innings. With successful foreign tours under her belt, she is an experienced campaigner and knows a lot about her craft.
For Dey, Jhulan is a living legend .
“I’d like to congratulate her on this fantastic achievement. Both Mithali Raj and Goswami are living legends. This is a proud moment for Indian cricket. The young girls are already following in her footsteps. She is a role model to so many and she continues to inspire.” she said.