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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.

PM Modi, New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon Discuss Trade, Security, and Stronger Ties

Updated: Mar 20, 2025

India and New Zealand push for deeper economic cooperation, FTA talks, and regional security collaboration.


Christopher Luxon

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a key bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House on Monday, focusing on strengthening trade, security, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.


Luxon, who arrived in India on Sunday for a five-day official visit, began his engagements by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. The visit comes amid growing efforts to enhance economic cooperation, with both leaders discussing trade expansion and regional security. Notably, the two countries have announced negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signaling a significant step in their economic relationship.


India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared on social media: "PM Narendra Modi warmly welcomed PM Christopher Luxon of New Zealand at Hyderabad House today. Extensive discussions on bilateral relations lie ahead."


During his visit, Luxon highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, acknowledging the warm reception from the Indian government. He emphasized that his delegation, consisting of top business and community leaders, is the largest ever to accompany a New Zealand Prime Minister on a foreign trip—underlining the importance of deepening economic and cultural relations.


Luxon also recognized the contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, noting that Indian-Kiwis form the third-largest ethnic community in the country, with a significant presence in business, education, and skilled labor sectors. He engaged with business leaders and prominent personalities, including cricketers Ajaz Patel and Ross Taylor, reflecting the strong cultural connections between the two nations.


On Sunday, Luxon met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who welcomed New Zealand’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation. Luxon is also set to be the keynote speaker at the Raisina Dialogue, India’s leading forum on geopolitics and geo-economics, which will be inaugurated by PM Modi.


Following his discussions with Modi, Luxon is expected to oversee the exchange of several MoUs at Hyderabad House before heading to Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet President Droupadi Murmu. With diplomatic ties dating back to 1952, India and New Zealand continue to collaborate on shared values, economic progress, and regional stability.

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