In a first, fifteen members of the Malaysian women’s cricket team have been awarded a yearlong paid contract. This step was taken to bring equality to the women’s game, thereby leading to overall growth and development. This will help keep the men’s game and women’s game at the same level, creating a common playing field for the two.
“This is a moment to be reckoned with. Malaysian Cricket has been creating pathways for our women players and working towards offering merit-based opportunities for both men and women cricketers. Malaysian Cricket has always prioritized women’s cricket, and I know that these contracts will serve as a long-term sustainable means and act as a morale booster for our women. Contracts such as these often translate as a push factor for the rest of the team to work harder so as to be a recipient of a contract from MCA and this will further improve the ICC rankings,” said Mahinda Vallipuram, President of the Malaysian Cricket Association.
The allowances included in the contracts will vary from player to player, depending upon the grade player is put under. Apart from the cricket contract, the players have received medical insurance, and education and welfare funds as well.
“The contract has certainly created a sense of eagerness and urgency to further improve my game and remain at the top. As much as I do not want to fall in my grade, I want to see more players work hard and receive contracts, as it will make a difference to them as it has to me,” said Malaysian Player Mas Elysa, also one of the recipient.
The Malaysian women’s team is aiming to register their spot at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The team has been working very hard for the same and has proven their worth by their performances in the recent past.
“I am grateful to receive this contract. In return, it makes me want to uphold professionalism at all times and give my all to the game. Here on, there will be no time to relax. We, as a team, need to be the best we can be,” said the women’s team captain Winifred Duraisingam.
Here’s the list of 15 players awarded with the contracts –
Winiefred Anne Duraisingam, Mas Elysa Yasmin Zulkifli, Ainna Hamizah Hashim, Arianna Natasya Benn Rakquidean, Yusrina Yaakop, Nik Nur Atiela Nik Din, Intan Jamahidayu Jaafar, Mahirah Izzati Binti Ismail, Noor Hayati Binti Zakaria, Wan Julia Binti Wan Mohd Rosli, Nur Nabila Binti Muhd Nazeli, Elsa Hunter, Aisya Eleesa Firdauz, Nurilyaa Natashya Mohamad Asri, Amalin Sorfina Abu Jimi
(Source: Malaysian Cricket Association)
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