In Indore on Saturday, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) celebrated the rising popularity of women’s cricket by launching a new souvenir book called Million Aspirations, One Dream at Holkar Stadium. The event was timed for the Friday night match between India and England.
The book’s unveiling was led by India’s all‑rounder Deepti Sharma, who was also on hand with MPCA President Mahan Yaman Scindia, Vice‑President Vineet Sethia and Secretary Sudhir Asnani. “The MPCA likes to do something fresh,” Sharma said. “When we hosted our first Test in 2016, we released a souvenir. Now, women’s cricket is arriving in Indore, so we wanted to celebrate.”
Rajiv Risodkar, a committee member of the MPCA, explained that the book comes at a critical time. “Women’s cricket has very few local resources. We thought about creating something before the tournament began,” he told . The release comes a week before the India‑England World Cup clash, adding extra buzz.
The 120‑page book covers 20 chapters, tracing women’s cricket from the 1970s to today. Topics include India’s 2017 World Cup runner‑up finish, equal match fees, the new Women’s Premier League, and the historic growth of the sport across Central India. A detailed look at Indore as a “cricket cradle” lets readers see how the city nurtures talent.
Notable cricketers and former players like Mithali Raj, Shubhangi Kulkarni, Rajeshwari Dholakia, and Sandhya Agarwal sent messages. Administrators Ratnakar Shetty and Sharad Pawar also contributed, along with Australian assistant manager Pauline Bunce, who toured India in 1975. Cricket historian Ankit Verma supplied the book’s rare photographs and archival material.
Risodkar, who has officiated 19 matches as a BCCI umpire from 1997 to 2016, shared reflections on how far women’s cricket has come. He recalled watching matches where few fielders stayed in the square, and today’s power‑hitting and fast pace. “The fielding, the style, and the power have all improved dramatically,” he said. He noted that now three players from Madhya Pradesh feature on the national squad, and that girls can pursue cricket without stigma.
MPCA hopes the book and the World Cup will spark even more interest in women’s cricket across India. The ‘Million Aspirations’ souvenir is available at Holkar Stadium and online for fans wishing to download the digital version. The event underscored India’s commitment to boosting women’s cricket, both on and off the field.
Source: ianslive
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