Baroda Cricket Association to attempt world record in the upcoming India-Australia women’s ODIs

2017 was certainly a breakthrough year for women’s cricket. When India women’s cricket team reached the World Cup final, it was the most-watched women’s sporting event in India. 

The women’s team carried that form into the series against South Africa in February this year as well. They won both the ODI and the T20I series in the Rainbow Nation. However, out of the 8 games (3 ODIs and 5 T20Is), only 3 were televised. 

But now for the next series against Australia at home, the BCCI are not leaving any stone unturned. Even the local cricket boards are actively supporting the women’s game. On March 12, when India will take on Australia in the first ODI, Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) are trying to create a unique world record. Thousands of women from the city will come together and join hands at the Reliance Stadium to create a record of ‘world’s largest chain of women joining hands’.

The BCA secretary (in-charge) Snehal Parikh said that with India performing well, the popularity (of women’s cricket) has grown and the names of women’s cricketers have also become famous. 

“The Indian women’s team performed well in the world cup last year and their popularity has gone up. Now cricket buffs in every home know these women cricketers by their names. And now they are going to play in the city. So, we thought of sending across the message of women empowerment,” said Snehal Parikh told TOI.

The 57-year old also said that they are looking to grab maximum attention for the upcoming series. The BCA has also formed a team which will assist them. 

“We want to draw in maximum crowd to see the ODI matches and encourage the women cricketers. We have roped in a team that has helped in organizing the Vadodara Marathon. They will help us in creating the world record and also drawing the spectators to the stands,” the former Baroda played added. 

Parikh also wants more girls to get inspired and take up the sport. “The three ODIs that India will play against Australia will be about women empowerment. We want more girls to get inspired and join the sport,” she further added. 

India will play three ODIs against Australia on March 12, March 15 and March 18 in the Reliance Stadium in Baroda.