Tricky pitch for women cricketers

Cricket camps are not just for little boys who need to be kept busy during the summer vacation. For Mamatha Maben, Nooshin Alkhadeer and Karuna Jain the practice sessions at the Karnataka Insitute of Cricket, probably the only co-ed camp in the city, are serious work.
These three women cricketers all share the same passion for the game. But their stories also reflect what an uphill struggle it is for women cricketers here.
Mamatha, 31, has played for the Indian team against England and South Africa. But cricket is not a fulltime occupation. She is the bread winner in her four-member family and her job as a web journalist means a lot.
"Maybe I would have achieved more if I had to focus only on cricket, but I have no complaints." She wants to be connected to the game even after her playing days are over. "It will be a good idea if the International Women''s Cricket Council merges with the ICC."
Nooshin is 21 and believes that being selected to represent India is a high point in her sporting career. She is yet to make her Test debut and is looking forward to the England series in July.
Nooshin says, "I have to achieve a lot. You might be a good player but there is always someone better than you." Nooshin feels there aren''t enough opportunities for women cricketers because it doesn''t attract the sort of publicity the men''s game does. "But I am sure by the next World Cup we will be in a stronger position," she says.
"Playing for India is a major achievement and that''s what I am aiming for," says Karuna Jain, a teenager. She believes cricket is played in the mind. "If your thinking is positive, your game automatically improves. You should not get bogged down by extraneous factors. One should have confidence and self-belief."
Mental fitness is of prime importance, says this young cricketer. "Give it your best shot and god will take care of the rest."