After the male members of the Indian cricket team recently wore jerseys sporting their mothers’ names, the women players now want their fathers’ names on their jerseys while playing international matches.
Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar, who has been picked as the new captain of the India women’s T20 team for the home series against West Indies and the Asia Cup T20 tournament in Thailand says, “It would be a great idea if we can sport our fathers’ names. In India, the services of only the mother are highlighted and the fathers’ contributions are often ignored.”
Speaking from their home in Punjab, her father, Harmander Singh, says, “The idea of men donning jerseys with their mothers’ names was great. In this case, why only our names, why can’t the names of the father-daughter duo be placed?”
Currently, the women players have the choice to use their first name or second name. Dorai Raj, father and former-coach of Mithali Raj believes the decision (for using the father’s name) has to come from top management. “It’s not a bad idea if my name, instead of Raj as our surname, is sported,” he adds.
Smriti Mandhana, the 20-year-old opener also likes the idea. “We should be allowed to have our father’s name,” she said. Speaking from Sangli, her father, Shriniwas Mandhana says, “Our family name is already there and that is enough. But if all girls want to have their fathers’ names on their jerseys, the idea is welcome.”
There are no specific standards about names on jerseys. Few players sport only their first names, while others display their first names or initials with surnames.
India’s former cricketer Diana Eduljee says, “When the decision (to give the mothers’ names) to Dhoni’s men was sanctioned, at the same time the Indian cricket board should have clarified the rule for the women’s team too. In our country, where are the women players given importance anyway? Even the television and print media coverage for them is very poor. That’s how it goes in this country. It is indeed a pity,” she says.
