Cricket is more than just a sport in India; it’s a cultural phenomenon, deeply ingrained in the nation’s fabric. The fandom surrounding cricket players reaches unparalleled heights. However, beneath the surface of this fervent passion lies a glaring lack of inclusivity.
The Indian National Women’s Cricket Team stands as a testament to excellence, consistently bringing pride to the nation with their remarkable achievements. Yet, despite their prowess on the field, female cricketers often don’t receive enough fan engagement and recognition.
Identifying this disparity, students of Whistling Woods International (WWI) – Media & Communication embarked on a mission to address the root cause of the issue. Through extensive research and analysis, they unveiled a crucial insight: the absence of captivating storytelling around women cricketers hampers their visibility and connection with the masses.
In response to this revelation, the students devised a creative solution in the form of a three-part audio series titled ‘Beyond The Jersey. This innovative podcast delves deep into the lives and journeys of three iconic Indian women sports icons, namely Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Smriti Mandhana, shedding light on their triumphs, struggles, and aspirations. The series aims to not only entertain but also to inform and inspire audiences, bridging the gap between fans and the remarkable women cricketers, who deserve recognition.
Launched on Women’s Day 2024, the podcast aligns seamlessly with the year’s theme of InspireInclusivity. Hosted on the Goonj Podcast channel on Spotify, an audio podcast IP managed by WWI Media & Communication, ‘Beyond Jersey represents a significant step towards fostering inclusivity in cricket fandom.
Speaking about the campaign initiated by the WWI students, Meghna Ghai Puri, President, WWI said, “In the heart of cricket-crazed India, our Media & communication students recognize the disparity faced by women cricketers. ‘Beyond The Jersey’ isn’t just a podcast, it’s a testament to our commitment to inclusivity. Through this podcast series, our students illuminate the journeys of iconic women cricketers, catalyzing a new era of appreciation and recognition. This Women’s Day, let’s pledge to InspireInclusivity.”
Through their creative prowess and profound understanding of media dynamics, the WWI Media & Communication students have embarked on a mission to ignite a paradigm shift in the way women cricketers are perceived and celebrated. By championing their stories in an engaging and accessible format, they aim to inspire a new era of inclusivity and appreciation within the cricketing community.