Motherhood is often considered a challenging phase in a woman’s life, where the responsibility of raising a child often takes precedence over personal ambitions and career aspirations. However, on this Mother’s Day, let’s get to know the story of some women cricketers proving that motherhood need not be a hindrance to one’s career goals. Several women cricketers have shown tremendous resilience and commitment by continuing to play cricket at the international level even after becoming mothers.
1) Sneha Deepthi
One such cricketer is Sneha Deepthi, who made her debut for the Indian women’s cricket team alongside Smriti Mandhana in 2013. Despite a promising start, her career did not take off, and she found herself out of the reckoning after playing just three matches. However, Deepthi continued to represent her state team, Andhra, and last played for them in November 2021.
When the Women’s Premier League (WPL) was announced, Deepthi saw an opportunity to revive her career and don the Indian colors once again. The 26-year-old was picked by Delhi Capitals for Rs 30 lakh in the WPL auction. Deepthi, who is now a mother of two-year-old Kriva, shared an emotional video on Delhi Capitals TV, where she talked about the difficult decision of leaving her daughter behind to attend the WPL camp.
2) Bismah Maroof
Another cricketer who has been an inspiration for many is Bismah Maroof, the former captain of the Pakistan women’s cricket team. Maroof made her international debut in 2006 and has been a regular member of the squad since then. She has featured in over 100 ODIs and 100 T20Is for Pakistan. Maroof became a proud mother to a baby girl on August 30, 2021, and has since then resumed cricket after completing her maternity leave. Maroof’s journey highlights the need for women to follow their passions and dreams, even after becoming mothers.
3) Amy Satterthwaite and Lea Tahuhu
Amy Satterthwaite is another cricketer who has made a successful comeback to international cricket after becoming a mother. The New Zealand left-hander announced her pregnancy in 2019 when she was enjoying a purple patch. She took maternity leave and, after a year, made a solid comeback in September 2020 in a series against Australia. With the support of her partner Lea Tahuhu, who is also a cricketer, Satterthwaite has shown that it is possible to strike a balance between personal and professional commitments.
4) Afy Fletcher
Afy Fletcher, the West Indies cricketer, is yet another example of a player who has made a successful comeback to cricket after becoming a mother. Fletcher returned to cricket during the ongoing Women’s World Cup after giving birth to a child. She did not waste any opportunity to make an impact with her off-spin, picking up three wickets and scoring crucial runs against Bangladesh. Her phone celebration of her baby after taking every wicket was heartwarming and inspiring.
5) Lizelle Lee
Lizelle Lee, the former South African opener, is another woman cricketer who has made sacrifices to continue playing the game after motherhood. Lee had to leave her 19-day-old child in South Africa to be with her team for the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. It was a difficult decision, but Lee said that it was important for her to be with her team and continue playing the game that she loves.
In conclusion, they have all shown remarkable strength and resilience to balance their careers with their family responsibilities. They are not just exceptional cricketers but also exceptional mothers who are setting an example for women everywhere. Their stories are an inspiration to all women who want to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face.
Sports have always been a huge part of my life, and having played cricket professionally for my state team, I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the world of sports. With an eye for detail and passion for sports, I’m hoping to make a lasting impact in the sports industry.
