Kolkata: Jhulan Goswami has lauded the growing impact of the Bengal T20 League on women’s cricket, crediting the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for its sustained investment in grassroots development and structured competitions.

Speaking on the sidelines of the women’s auction for Season 3 of the Bengal T20 League, the former India fast bowler described the tournament as a “huge platform” that is transforming the landscape of women’s cricket in the state.

Grassroots investment driving growth

Goswami highlighted the remarkable rise in participation among women cricketers in Bengal over the years, attributing it to consistent grassroots initiatives by the CAB.

“When I used to play for Bengal, hardly 60–70 girls used to play. Now more than 500 girls are enlisted in the Bengal T20 League,” she said.

This sharp increase reflects a broader cultural shift, where more young girls are taking up cricket as a serious pursuit. The expansion of training facilities, coaching programmes and competitive opportunities has played a key role in building a strong pipeline of talent in the state.

Auction signals rising opportunities

Earlier this week, the Bengal T20 League conducted its first-ever player auction for Season 3, with franchises selecting players from a pool of more than 1000 cricketers across men’s and women’s categories.

In the men’s segment, Shahbaz Ahmed emerged as the top pick with a bid of ₹12.20 lakh. In the women’s category, Mita Paul became the highest-valued player at ₹3 lakh.

The auction not only reflected increased financial investment in domestic cricket but also signalled growing recognition for women cricketers, who are now receiving structured contracts and greater visibility.

Preparing players for professional demands

Goswami emphasised that the league plays a crucial role in preparing young cricketers for the demands of professional cricket. Beyond performance on the field, players are now exposed to media attention, social media engagement and the pressure of playing in front of cameras.

“There will be pressure, nervousness, social media engagement, and cameras around them. Many of them have never experienced these things before. Hopefully, they will overcome all of it and perform well,” she said.

Such exposure is vital in bridging the gap between domestic cricket and international competition, allowing players to adapt to high-pressure environments early in their careers.

Focus on mindset and decision-making

The former India pacer also stressed the importance of mental strength and decision-making in modern cricket. According to Goswami, clarity of thought and the ability to make the right decisions in crunch situations are key attributes for success.

“The most important thing in cricket is decision-making. You have to have a clear mind and clear vision in crunch situations,” she noted.

As a mentor, she prefers players who demonstrate strong intent and the ability to execute their plans under pressure, highlighting the evolving demands of the game.

Role models inspiring the next generation

Goswami pointed out that the presence of established players from Bengal has had a significant impact on aspiring cricketers. Players such as Richa Ghosh, Titas Sadhu and Saika Ishaque have become role models for young girls in the state.

“When young girls see their role models training and playing in front of them, they start believing they too can represent Bengal and India one day,” she said.

This visibility has strengthened the aspirational value of cricket, encouraging more participation at the grassroots level.

Pathway to higher platforms

With structured competition, increasing investment and growing interest from talent scouts, the Bengal T20 League is emerging as a key pathway to bigger opportunities, including the Women’s Premier League.

The league provides a competitive environment where players can showcase their skills and attract attention from franchises and selectors at higher levels.

Conclusion

The Bengal T20 League has become a significant catalyst in the growth of women’s cricket in Bengal, offering both opportunity and exposure to a new generation of players. Backed by strong grassroots investment and increasing professional structure, the tournament is helping bridge the gap between local talent and national recognition.

As participation continues to rise and more players gain visibility, the league is set to play an even greater role in shaping the future of women’s cricket in the region.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka  staff and is published from a press release)