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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket...

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket in Kerala. During her tenure, which ended recently, five players from the state went on to represent India, while three now feature in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Niketha’s journey began in 1995 on modest grounds and rough pitches in the blazing sun of her native Thrissur. At the time, girls aspiring to play cricket often drew curious stares or disapproving glances. This was despite Kerala producing some of India’s finest female athletes, including P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson, Anju Bobby George, K.M. Beenamol and Tintu Luka. “Those were the days when women’s cricket did not attract packed stadiums, prime-time television coverage, lucrative contracts or celebrity status. Thankfully, the BCCI has taken progressive steps, including equal pay for the senior women’s team and launching the WPL. These have brought greater visibility, professional avenues and financial security for women cricketers,” Niketha said during a chat with  The Perfect Voice  in Pune. With better infrastructure, stronger domestic competitions and greater junior-level exposure, she believes the future of women’s cricket in India is bright and encourages more girls to pursue the sport seriously. Humble Beginnings Niketha began playing informal matches in neighbourhood kalisthalams (playgrounds) and school competitions before realising cricket was her true calling. Coaches who noticed her composure encouraged her to pursue the game seriously. More than flamboyance, she brought reliability and quiet determination to the turf — qualities every captain values when a match hangs in the balance. These traits helped her rise through the ranks and become a key figure in Kerala’s women’s cricket structure. “She was like a gentle messiah for the players. During demanding moments, they could rely on her – whether to stabilise an innings or lift team spirit,” recalled a former colleague. Guiding Youngsters Her involvement came when women’s cricket in many states struggled even for basic facilities. Matches were rarely covered by the media, and limited travel or training arrangements often tested players’ patience. “As a mother of two daughters—Namradha, 18, and Nivedya, 14—I could understand the emotions of the young girls in the teams. Guiding players through difficult phases and helping them overcome failures gave me the greatest satisfaction,” she said. Niketha — an English Literature graduate with a master’s in Tourism Management — believes success in sport demands not only skill but also sacrifice. Strong parental support and encouragement from her husband, Vinoth Kumar, an engineer, helped her overcome many challenges. Never one to seek the spotlight, she let her performances speak for themselves, earning respect on the national circuit. Quiet Legacy Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. Young girls are more ambitious, parents more supportive, and cricket is seen as a viable career with opportunities in coaching, umpiring, team management, sports analysis and allied fields. Players like Niketha have quietly strengthened the sport. Their journeys show that some victories are not won under stadium floodlights, but by determined women who simply refused to stop playing.

China-Pakistan-Bangladesh Pact: A Strategic Shift India Must Face

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

The proposed joint trade and security agreement between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh is a complex web of historical, political, and economic factors. China’s ambitions align with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with Pakistan as a key partner via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Bangladesh has become increasingly involved with Chinese infrastructure and energy sectors. The trilateral cooperation signifies a step reflecting shared interest in counterbalancing India’s regional dominance, compounded by historical rivalries and disputes involving India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

China’s ambition to expand its influence aligns with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Pakistan is a key partner in the BRI and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project. Pakistan sees alignment with China as a counterweight to India’s superior military capabilities, while Bangladesh views the agreement as an economic opportunity amidst challenges with India over water sharing and border management issues.

India faces strategic challenges from a potential rise in Chinese military presence, expanded bases, and joint intelligence-sharing. The development of dual-use infrastructure like ports and airports could enhance China’s power projection into the Indian Ocean, challenging India’s security and trade interests. Bangladesh’s evolving role might lead to increased coordination with China on maritime security, directly impacting India’s influence in the Bay of Bengal and beyond.

India’s relationships with the United States, Japan, and Australia within the framework of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) are likely to be tested by this development. The agreement could also strain India’s relations with ASEAN countries as the regional dynamics shift in favour of a China-centric economic and security framework. India’s strategic autonomy may be challenged, necessitating a reevaluation of its defence posture and alliances.

The potential enhancement of intelligence sharing among the three countries could undermine India’s security interests. Pakistan’s history of harbouring terrorist organisations and the recent trends of radicalisation in Bangladesh pose direct threats to India’s security and complicate India’s counter-terrorism efforts, leading to increased infiltration along the borders and a rise in asymmetric threats.

India may face isolation with fewer regional allies. This could lead to an arms race, with India seeking to bolster its conventional and nuclear capabilities to deter any potential aggression.

This agreement could disrupt existing trade routes and partnerships, forcing India to seek alternative markets and trade corridors. China’s influence in Bangladesh and Pakistan could lead to trade agreements that marginalise Indian exports and reroute goods through China-backed infrastructure. With China’s dominance in global supply chains, it could be increasingly difficult for India to compete in manufacturing and technology. The potential isolation of India from regional trade agreements could exacerbate its trade deficits and limit its access to critical markets.

India’s manufacturing sector could face additional challenges if the agreement leads to the reorientation of regional supply chains. The potential for Chinese companies to gain preferential access to markets in Pakistan and Bangladesh could further disadvantage Indian manufacturers in the textile, electronics, and pharmaceutical sectors. In addition, the Belt and Road Initiative’s expansion through Bangladesh and Pakistan could lead to the development of alternative trade corridors that bypass India, diminishing its strategic and economic significance in the region.

Bangladesh’s integration into the Belt and Road Initiative, alongside Pakistan’s involvement, could undermine India’s infrastructure projects like the North-South Transport Corridor and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. This strategic alignment with China might limit India’s ability to secure funding and partnerships, weakening its influence over regional connectivity. A China-centric economic bloc could marginalise India in South Asia, reducing its influence over trade policies and market share and potentially impacting its growth prospects through decreased foreign investment and export slowdowns.

India’s relationship with Bangladesh on border management, water sharing, and counter-terrorism could be strained if Bangladesh becomes more aligned with China and Pakistan. Increased Chinese influence could shift Dhaka’s foreign policy, making it less receptive to India’s concerns, complicating issues like Teesta River water sharing and border management.

India may struggle to assert its traditional leadership in SAARC, with a China-Pakistan-Bangladesh bloc potentially undermining India’s ability to shape the agenda. Similarly, China’s growing influence through Bangladesh could hinder India’s effectiveness in promoting regional connectivity and economic integration within BIMSTEC.

The trilateral cooperation signals a recalibration of power in South Asia, with China strengthening its foothold through infrastructure and security investments. As India grapples with potential economic marginalisation and security threats, its regional influence may be put to the test. In Part 2 of this series, we will explore how India can navigate these challenges and leverage strategic partnerships to turn the situation to its advantage.


(The writer is a Senior Research Associate, Vishwa Samvad Kendra, Mumbai. Views personal)

Next part on September 13.

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