During Ramadan nights in the city, it’s common to see men dressed casually, enthusiastically reacting to wickets and sixes, as night cricket has become a cultural fixture. However, due to a lack of safe spaces for women, the scene wasn’t very inclusive. Khelo Kricket, a sports organization, took the initiative to address this by organizing a women’s cricket league during Ramadan.
The recent three-day event named ‘Khelo Khawateen’ took place at Kutchi Memon Ground, concluding on Sunday. This tournament, now in its 7th edition since its inception in 2016, saw participation from 12 teams including Athletic Club, BSL Pink, and Khelo Stars, among others.
Hadeel Obaid, founder of Khelo Kricket, highlighted the growth of the tournament over the years, with over 120 girls participating this year. The aim was to create a safe space for girls to play cricket and encourage their participation.
The atmosphere at the ground was vibrant, with spectators, including parents, cheering for their favorite teams. Teenage girls exhibited their skills on the pitch, with parents watching proudly. For many girls, it was their first experience playing cricket at night, overcoming previous security concerns.
Participants, mostly between 15 and 20 years old, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. Parents accompanying their daughters showed unwavering support, recognizing the importance of empowering their daughters to pursue their passions.
Matches concluded late into the night, with sponsors awarding prizes to the winning teams and standout players. Overall, the event showcased the growing presence of women in cricket and the supportive role of parents in nurturing their daughters’ talents.
