In a moment that will be etched in Swiss cricket history, a mother and daughter walked onto the field — not as spectators, but as teammates representing their nation. Metty and Naina’s debut in the same international match for Switzerland wasn’t just a personal milestone; it symbolised the beauty of generational passion meeting opportunity on the global stage.
In a country where cricket is still growing, their story offers a rare and powerful example of family, dedication, and the expanding reach of women’s cricket. In this exclusive interview, Female Cricket dives deep into their inspiring journey — from weekend matches on a basketball court to sharing wickets in an ICC-recognised T20I.
Q: Can you take us back to the moment you both found out you’d be playing together for Switzerland in the same match? What was your first reaction?
Naina: I was ecstatic that we had been selected for the first Women’s ICC T20I series for Switzerland and even more thrilled that I’d be playing alongside my mom. We’ve played in the same team and even against each other in the Swiss Women’s League, but this felt different. It really hit me during the live stream — seeing us on the international stage together was surreal.
Metty: During the match, it felt like any other game — and we were glad it did. We didn’t seek extra attention or get overwhelmed with emotion. But once the game ended and we started reliving moments and clicking photos, the magnitude hit us. A highlight was seeing our names on the scoreboard one under the other, right after we’d both taken wickets. That gave me chills — mother and daughter, side by side.
Q: Were there any emotional moments during the match that really stood out for you?
Naina: One of the most special moments was during the fourth match. I bowled out Belgium’s opening batter in my first over, and my mom dismissed the other opener in her first over too. We got a screenshot of the scoreboard — both our names, both our wickets, one after the other. It was magical.
Metty: Club cricket with Naina feels routine now, but on the international stage, everything felt more meaningful in hindsight. That game was a memory we’ll always hold close.
Q: For Metty – You’ve had a long journey in cricket. What inspired you to keep playing and stay fit enough to represent your country alongside your daughter?
Metty: It all started as a fun activity with friends and family and gradually turned serious when we started our club. Cricket became part of who we are. Fitness wasn’t a chore — it became second nature, like brushing your teeth. The team environment helped create a structure, brought accountability, and gave me the motivation to keep going, season after season.
Q: For Naina – How does it feel to share the field not just with a teammate, but with your own mother?
Naina: It’s incredibly comforting. She’s helped me a lot with analysing my bowling, and just knowing she’s on the field with me gives me an extra boost. She supports me in ways no one else can.
Q: Tell us about your cricket journey as a family. How did cricket become such an integral part of your lives?
Naina: We began after the COVID-19 lockdown — just casual games with family friends on a basketball court. Soon, I joined Basel Dragons Junior Cricket Club, and my mom joined a women’s club. That changed everything.
My dad plays for A1 Sports Club in the Swiss Men’s League, and my younger brother is part of the Swiss U11 team. Cricket’s basically our weekend lifestyle now — with matches or training for all four of us.
Q: What kind of conversations do you have at home about cricket? Is it more tactical or more fun? Who’s more competitive?
Naina: It’s a mix of both. We often talk about bowling techniques, fielding drills, and batting shots. But we also have fun teasing each other about whose team will win next — because we don’t always play on the same side.
As for competitiveness, I think I might be a tad more intense. But we always laugh it off at home, no matter what happens on the field.
Q: How do you inspire each other on and off the field?
Naina: My mom is very analytical. She can tell right away when something’s off with my bowling. Off the field, she pushes me to work hard.
I, on the other hand, bring energy. On the field, I’m cheering her like a fan. During training, I help her improve her batting and fielding. We support and advise each other equally, and it keeps both of us motivated.
Q: What message would you give to young girls — and their mothers — who might want to take up cricket together?
Metty: Go for it! Cricket is inclusive and open to everyone, no matter your background or experience. Playing as a family not only makes it more fun, but also strengthens bonds while keeping you active and building lifelong memories.
Naina: Encourage one another, celebrate the small wins, and step outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re just playing for fun or aiming higher, your passion can inspire others and help grow the sport in your community. Every great journey begins with one step — let that be you and your mom!
Q: How do you see the future of women’s cricket in Switzerland, and what role do you hope to play in that growth?
Naina: It’s growing really fast, which I’m thrilled about. I just want to keep giving my best, learn as much as I can, and improve with each game.
Metty: It’s an exciting time. There’s increasing participation, visibility, and support for the women’s game. More women are taking up cricket, making it more accessible and visible across Switzerland. I hope to play my part in encouraging this upward trend.
Q: What’s next in your cricket journey? Any personal or team goals?
Naina: We’re really looking forward to the ICC Women’s T20I tri-series between Finland, Estonia, and Switzerland in Finland from July 18 to 20. It’s going to be another amazing opportunity!
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