MUMBAI: While the boys in blue are slugging it out in the field against Pakistan, the girls are getting their act together. The Women's cricket World Cup, which kicks start in South Africa on 21 March, will see eight countries participating: India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, England and West Indies.
Sahara India Pariwar today announced that they would officially sponsor the Indian Woman's cricket team for the next three years. Present at the announcement were Sahara deputy director Uttam Kumaar Bose, Women's Cricket Association of India Hon. Secretary Shughangi Kuklarni, Indian Women's cricket team brand ambassador Mandira Bedi and Percept D Mark COO Devraj Sanyal.
Bose said, "Sahara has always been associated with various sports in the country and we believe that our association with the Indian Woman's Cricket team will be instrumental in enhancing the popularity of the sport in India. I wish the team the best in their bid for the upcoming World Cup."
The Indian Woman's Cricket team has put up excellent performances in the recent past with three consecutive victories over World Champions New Zealand in 2003 and West Indies and Sri Lanka in 2004.
Kulkarni on the other hand said, "We welcome Sahara's association with the Indian women's cricket team. I am certain that this partnership will go a long way and that Sahara's involvement with the team will be an enduring one."
Indian Woman's Cricket team captain Mithali Raj said, "Our team is looking forward to the World Cup challenge and considering the recent performance of our players, I am confident that we will bring laurels to the country. The support from Sahara will prove to be a definite morale booster, especially since it precedes this major event."
"Corporate India should turn its smiles and the finances to women's cricket, which holds immense potential not just for the sport but also for its patrons. Percept D Mark believes that "Cricktainment" is all set to add a feather to its cap and transform the way cricket has perceived," Sanyal said.
Sanyal added that the next 12 - 15 months, the company would develop the road map that would take women's cricket to the next level.
Prior to this, Sahara had sponsored the 2002 Women's World Cup, which was held in England.
The Indian Woman's Cricket team comprises Mithali Raj (captain), Anjum Chopra, Neetu David, Deepa Marathe, Arundhati Kirkire, Hemlata Kala, Kareena Jain, Amita Sharma, Jhilmil Goswami, Reema Malhotra, Rumila Dhar, Jaya Sharma and Nashin Alkadir. With Sanya Mirza and Anju George making a mark in their respective sports, it remains to be seen, which one of these will be the golden gal on the block from the cricket field!
