Live television coverage important to inspire girls to take up cricket, says Isa Guha

Isa Guha, former England cricketer-turned-commentator, believes visibility is one of the key elements for the growth of women’s cricket.



“When I was growing up, I didn’t have any women’s cricket on television, I was watching England men all the time and Darren Gough was my hero,” Guha was quoted as saying by PA Media. “That was wonderful, but that only probably catches a small part of the population.”



Earlier this week, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced its decision to broadcast third T20I of the England and West Indies five-match T20I series on free-to-air television. This will be the first-time women’s cricket will be seen live on terrestrial television in England since 1993.



“It’s another huge, huge moment for the sport,” Guha said, welcoming the decision. “I’m really excited about that opportunity to show it off to the public. It’s what we need, visibility is key in women’s sport.”



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Guha, the first British Asian woman to play for England, said live coverage of women’s cricket on television could inspire future generation of girls to take up the sport.



“My parents were really supportive of me playing cricket and took me down to the local cricket club, but for young girls who might not have that, they will be inspired by watching the girls on television.”



“Perhaps that may even lead to them asking their parents where they can go and play to become an England women’s cricket player,” she added.



Guha, who was part of the live coverage during the recent England men’s series against West Indies and Pakistan, talked about the challenges of being in a bio-secure bubble and challenges she faced during the series.



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“I have been able to go home a couple of times but in general I have been on site: hotel, room, ground and dining area, that’s been my existence over the last eight or nine weeks,” said the 35-year-old. “It is a different and surreal experience that has been challenging at times but it’s nothing compared to what some people have gone through during the pandemic.”



“I think people have appreciated it and we have really just tried to get the balance right between keeping the traditionalists happy but also bringing a modern feel to it. Given the circumstances of the pandemic, we have been able to deliver that as best we can. We have had some positive feedback and that’s all you can hope for.”



“It’s been a difficult time for a lot of people at the moment but everyone has put in to try to offer a distraction to people and to be something positive and bring a smile to people’s faces,” she concluded.