Women cricketers seek equal respect, not equal pay, says India's Smriti

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has called for greater respect and recognition for women athletes, stating that they do not seek equal pay but instead require equal respect for their contributions to the world of sports.

Speaking at an event, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women’s skipper reflected on the evolution of women’s cricket, particularly the impact of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), in transforming the landscape for female cricketers.

Mandhana was clear in her message: "Sometimes people mis-conceptualize thinking that we as women want equal stuff, but all we need is equal respect," she said.

Reflecting on her early days with the Indian women’s cricket team, Mandhana recalled a time when stadiums were often empty, highlighting the stark contrast with the present day, where packed venues are a common sight.

She expressed her joy at the increasing popularity of women’s sports, commenting, “From the time we started playing, with stadiums mostly empty, to now filling out stadiums wherever we play—whether with the Indian team or RCB—it’s a brilliant thing to witness.”

Mandhana emphasized that the primary need for women in sports is recognition rather than material compensation. "People know us, people appreciate us, and criticize us, which is great. I think people are caring about women’s sport, they are watching it. It’s a journey, and I just feel it,” she added.

She also took the opportunity to acknowledge the pioneering work of tennis star Sania Mirza, whose achievements have inspired countless young women to take up sports. “Growing up, I think when I turned 10 or 11, I heard about Sania Mirza becoming an icon, and we all knew there was a girl in sport, and that inspired us,” Mandhana recalled.

Mandhana’s comments underscore the growing recognition of women’s cricket and sports in general, highlighting the importance of respect, support, and representation for women athletes on the global stage.