On the heels of the Women in Blue’s historic World Cup victory at DY Patil Stadium on November 2, members of Garden View Apartments in Royal Palms, Goregaon East, organised a two-day, five-over ‘ with four teams comprising six players each to unite residents of more than 360 flats.
The idea stemmed from an annual game of cricket played by Shindes, following the Indian Premier League (IPL) format. While residents of Garden View Apartments celebrate several festivals together, the committee, this year, decided to launch a Women’s Premier League for residents to display their sporting prowess.
Reshma Chauhan
Bhushan and Sruthi Shinde, residents and committee members of the Garden View Apartments, organised the tournament, which took place on November 8 and 9. Teams and captains were chosen based on the drawing of chits. Keeping the names of the teams neutral, they decided to go with planets, and ended up choosing Mercury Mavericks, Venus Vipers, Mars Warriors, and Jupiter Giants.
Players’ experience
Sruthi Shinde said, “We had been having very few conversations with our neighbours, and we wanted to do something about the distance between us all, so my husband came up with the idea of holding an event. While the committee was discussing the matter, the idea of a WPL came up, and things just came together.”
Venus Vipers, the team that won the final on November 9
After the teams were formed, the main hurdle that the players faced was finding time to practice. “All of our families supported us. Yes, there were hurdles for some, but because everyone came around eventually, we, the , could finally find time to practise. Some of us who work practised late at night. It was beautiful seeing everyone come together this way,” said Netravati Mali, a participant.
Child support
Exemplifying the saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, society members stepped up to lend a hand to players with children under 10 in the run-up to the tournament. “I never felt like I needed help with my one-year-old. When I came down to practise, some resident or the other would take care of my baby. And at the end of play, when I went around to see who had my baby, I would see the toddler happily playing in someone’s arms,” said Kranti Narve, who was in the winning team, Venus Vipers, and was also awarded the title of best wicket keeper.
The Jupiter Giants
Jupiter Giants’ Reshma Chauhan, one of the oldest players, said, “I am a teacher, so I had to do my daily work and practice. My husband was a huge support system, making tea for everyone while we practised and played. It was his way of showing he cared and supported us.”
Mars Warriors’ Ritu Jha had her own unique experience —her nine-year-old became the unofficial coach of the 24 players. “My kid instructed us how to bowl and field. He would tell us if we were holding the bat wrong. He received many chocolates and treats as a reward on the days we were playing.”
Netravati Mali, resident, Garden View Apts
She added, “He is excited about a kids’ sports event we are planning. He has already picked his team of players.” Two male society members, Sayed Shaik and Anikesh Singh, volunteered to umpire the matches.”
After effects
While a residential society organising an event is not always newsworthy, in this instance, the tournament had unique aftershocks. On witnessing the initiative, other societies around the colony have started planning their own matches. “We have seen others planning their own matches now, and everyone is excited about the possibility of an inter-society WPL match,” said Sruthi Shinde.
Bhushan and Sruthi Shinde, the organisers of the tournament. Pics/By Special Arrangement
The women also claim that they have had calls and messages from their real estate brokers about vacant flats in their apartment, as the WPL has attracted potential buyers. Once again, cricket has been proven to be a sport that unifies not only countries but also communities.