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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.

Why Are LGBTQ Rights at Risk Under Trump’s Leadership?

The LGBTQ community, traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party, has voiced significant concerns over Donald Trump’s political resurgence, fearing his return could erode hard-won rights. These fears stem from political setbacks and judicial appointments during his previous term, often viewed as hostile to LGBTQ individuals.


The LGBTQ community’s ties to the Democratic Party strengthened in 1993 when President Bill Clinton sought to allow gay and lesbian individuals to serve openly in the military. The effort resulted in the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, which prohibited LGBTQ service members from revealing their identities. While intended as a compromise, it faced criticism from both sides and led to the discharge of over 13,000 service members before its repeal in 2011.


As societal understanding of gender and sexuality evolved, so did the terminology. The term "LGB," coined in 1990 to represent lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, expanded to "LGBTQ," encompassing transgender and queer identities. Today, approximately 8% to 10% of the U.S. population identifies as part of this diverse community. In 2015, the US Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriage nationwide in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision.


Trump’s presidency sparked anxiety among LGBTQ advocates, who accused his administration of rolling back critical protections. His alignment with conservative and religious groups, many of whom opposed LGBTQ rights, further fuelled this perception.


In 2017, Trump, in this previous term, announced a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, reversing an Obama-era policy that allowed them to serve openly. This action, targeting a group representing just 0.6% of the population, was widely condemned as discriminatory and unnecessary. Advocates saw it as part of a broader agenda to marginalise LGBTQ individuals, particularly transgender people.


Trump’s judicial appointments heightened these concerns. Hundreds of conservative judges, many with anti-LGBTQ records, were appointed to federal courts. The most significant shift occurred on the Supreme Court, where Trump secured a 6-3 conservative supermajority by appointing Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett. The Supreme Court, whose justices hold lifetime appointments, has the power to shape the legal and political landscape for generations through its decisions. While some rulings, like Gorsuch’s opinion in Bostock v. Clayton County, supported LGBTQ rights, the overall direction of the court raised fears about the future of same-sex marriage and other protections.


These concerns escalated after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, ending federal abortion protections. Justice Clarence Thomas, in a concurring opinion, explicitly called for revisiting rulings on same-sex relationships, marriage, and access to contraception. This sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ community, signalling a potential challenge to the foundational decisions underpinning their rights.


Adding to the community’s unease is “Project 2025,” a conservative roadmap for a future Republican presidency. Critics argue that the plan could curtail LGBTQ rights by rolling back anti-discrimination protections and limiting access to education and healthcare. Although Trump has distanced himself from the initiative, many fear he will embrace its principles once he gets into power.


Some subgroups of the LTBTQ community within the broader electorate supported his presidency. Segments of the South Asian American community, for example, rallied behind Trump for his perceived strong stance against Islamic extremism. However, this support often conflicted with LGBTQ advocacy, which viewed his policies as hostile to equality and inclusion.


Advocates of the LGBTQ community are focused on safeguarding gains like marriage equality, workplace protections, and anti-discrimination laws, which are now at risk due to judicial shifts and conservative political strategies. Simultaneously, grassroots organisations, legal advocacy groups, and individual activists are mobilising for further progress, including advocating for the Equality Act to expand federal anti-discrimination protections.


Amid these challenges, advocates focus on safeguarding gains like marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws while pushing for progress through initiatives like the Equality Act. The community’s vigilance remains crucial as the fight for justice continues under shifting political tides.


(The author is a resident of Washington DC, US. Views personal.)

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