Women cricketers pitch for equality, in burqas and hijabs
Hijab in place and bat slung across the shoulder, Insha rides the Scooty to college and practice, challenging rivals on the cricket field and social and religious stereotypes. As captain of the women’s team in Baramulla’s Government Women’s College, Insha is among the young women setting a trend in this north Kashmir town. “Bekhauff azad rehna hai mujhe (I want to be inde- pendent without fear),” sings the 21-year-old, who successfully led her team to the intervarsity title in the Kashmir Valley last week.
Rabya, an all-rounder, plays wearing the burqa when in Baramulla. In Srinagar, she wears the hijab. “I can’t go against the wishes of my teachers at Darasgah (religious school),” she says.
Insha’s passion was noticed by her Urdu professor, Rehmat-ullah Mir, and college authorities, levelled a field for practice. “
Two physical trainers helped with fitness. The other big hurdle was overcoming family opposition as consent from parents was mandatory.
“We’ve some good players like Rabya. Her parents agreed, but only if she was allowed to play wearing the burqa. Others also gave consent, but only if the students are allowed to wear hijab,” said coach Gurdeep Singh.
Insha’s father Bashir Ahmed Mir, who runs a fruit business in Baramulla, is proud of his daughter and hopes she continues playing cricket.