For these players, victory could change their lives

Almost exactly two years ago today, India and Australia met in the final of cricket’s World Cup in South Africa. They do so again tomor...

Almost exactly two years ago today, India and Australia met in the final of cricket’s World Cup in South Africa. They do so again tomorrow but things couldn’t be more different — and not just because it’s the women’s version. But because of the stakes.

Mithali Raj knows that the team she leads out at Centurion Park tomorrow won’t be playing for bungalows, fancy cars or endorsements deals. Instead, they’ll play for their love of the game, and with the realisation that if they do beat Australia it might just change things back home.

There is some money at stake, though: The 20,000 rands prize money for the winners. The Women’s Cricket Association of India has still not announced any cash incentives. Its secretary Shubhangi Kulkarni said nothing had been thought about it yet. ‘‘By reaching the final, everyone has suddenly started to sit up and take notice. All this has created a lot of awareness and there might be something in the offing,’’ she said. The Indians currently play for a match fee from the WCAI of Rs 1,000 per game. ‘‘Other countries don’t pay their players,’’ Kulkarni clarified.

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But a possible victory in the final today might ‘‘bring in a new change.’’

That’s what he players believe too. After a strenuous net session on Saturday, the team decided to spend the afternoon not thinking cricket. Instead, every player spoke of how life back in the country would possibly be if they returned with the World Cup.

‘‘We aren’t going to discuss cricket till tonight. That’s when we’ll decide on the final eleven,’’ Mithali told The Sunday Express.

She refused to speak of what the future beckoned for the team if they won the final. ‘‘There may be a lot of changes. Financially things may improve and we may become famous. I pray it all happens but it doesn’t bother us now.’’

THE TEAM NEWS

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• Jaya Sharma could make way for the swashbuckling Anjum Chopra to open the innings

• Mithali’s knee — not as famous yet as any of her male counterparts — is causing some concern. But she says there’s ‘‘no doubt’’ she’ll play the final

• Australian skipper Belinda Clarke says Mithali is ‘‘the one we want’’

• India are banking on their spinners Deepa Marathe and Neetu David, because the Australians are not good players of quality spin

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• For Australia, says Mithali, Clarke and all-rounder Karen Rolton will be the key players.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India46 min ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

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