For Monika Basantani, a 42-year-old homemaker in Prayagraj, a routine morning of preparing a banana shake for her family was interrupted by a life-changing phone call. Along with hundreds of other women from the city's prosperous Sindhi community, she was invited to try out for the newly announced Sindhi Women's Premier League. In a remarkable turn of events, both Monika and her 20-year-old daughter Tanisha, a recent NEET qualifier, secured their spots in the league.
A Historic Inauguration on the Cricket Field
On a vibrant Sunday, the league was formally inaugurated by former Uttar Pradesh minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi at the DSA Ground in Prayagraj's Lukerganj area. Monika and Tanisha, alongside 50 other women players across four teams, made their much-anticipated debut. The selection process prioritized fitness, age, and agility, posing a significant challenge as many potential players balanced household duties and responsibilities in family businesses.
Through determination and collective effort, four teams were finally formed: Plazo Titans, Dental Zone Sindh Fighters, Queen Strikes, and Regal Queens. These teams have been rigorously practicing for three to four hours daily at CSA Park and other grounds across the city.
More Than a Game: A Community's Leap Forward
The league is a transformative initiative for the approximately 10,000 Sindhis residing in upscale areas like Georgetown, Civil Lines, Tagore Town, and Jhulelal Nagar. The concept was born from the mind of Nisha Malang, 39, vice-captain of Regal Queens and wife of PSPL president Nikhil Malang. Inspired by the Indian women's cricket team's historic World Cup victory, the idea aimed to extend the success of the three-year-old men's Prayagraj Sindhi Premier League (PSPL) to women.
"Never did I imagine that after 39 years of life, I would be holding a bat and playing in one of Prayagraj's finest women's leagues," Nisha expressed. The league features a diverse roster: the oldest player is 49-year-old Mukta Keswani, who plays alongside her daughter-in-law, while the youngest is 16-year-old Sakshi Panjwani.
For the players, this is a profound movement. Anjali Chawla, 30, stated, "This is the beginning of a new era for Sindhi women here. The game adds wings to us." Echoing the sentiment, player Ankita Malang, 37, said, "PSPL is not just a league — it is the Sindhi community standing together for its daughters."
Cheerleading Husbands and a Resonating Message
The support from the community, especially Sindhi men, has been overwhelming. Among the enthusiastic crowd was Monika's husband, Dr. Mukesh Basantani, a prominent dental surgeon. Rishi Keswani, chairman of the Prayagraj Sindhi Youth Association and owner of Plazo Titans, highlighted the league's core mission: "The reason behind organising women's matches was to spread the message of women empowerment."
Businessman Shailendra Watwani captured the family pride, noting, "This league didn't take anything away from our family — it brought pride into it." The event, featuring tennis-ball cricket, is expected to draw crowds of over 7000 for each match, with organizers ensuring orderly arrangements.
The excitement has even sparked creativity, with young player Ekta Keswani, a maths major from Mumbai's Jai Hind College, composing a catchy rap: "Move over Windies, this time for Sindhis!" The line has quickly become a rallying cry for the pioneering ladies of Prayagraj, marking a definitive step towards societal change and sporting passion.
