BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia (Source: AFP)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken another major step to strengthen women's cricket in the country.
Over the last few years, the BCCI has completely changed women's cricket by introducing equal pay, launching the WPL similar to the IPL, increasing match fees, and improving facilities for players.
Now that the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is approaching, the focus will shift again to Women's cricket. The tournament will be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. India will begin its campaign in a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston.
The Indian squad for the tournament has already been announced, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the side and Smriti Mandhana serving as vice-captain.
The 'Women in Blue' are placed in Group A alongside Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands.
BCCI introduces specialist Women coaches at COE
In a significant development, the BCCI has appointed three specialist women coaches at its Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, according the an exclusive report by the Times of India. This is the first time dedicated women coaches have been appointed at the development centre.
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It is important to note that former India players Nooshin Al Khadeer, V. R. Vanitha and Sunetra Paranjpe have been given the responsibilities.
They will work with both junior and senior emerging players while also coordinate with former India batter VVS Laxman, who heads cricket operations at the COE.
Who are the specialist Women coaches?
Nooshin Al Khadeer has been named bowling coach. Looking at her international career, she has played 78 ODIs for India and has 100 wickets to her name with an economy rate of 3.57. She has also played 5 Test matches, taking 14 wickets at an economy rate of 1.80.
Former India cricketer V. R. Vanitha has been appointed fielding coach. After representing India in ODIs and T20Is, she moved into coaching and talent scouting. She has also been part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL.
Sunetra Paranjpe will take charge as batting coach. The former India all-rounder represented the country in Tests and ODIs between 2002 and 2007. She has played 28 ODI matches for India and has contributed with 322 runs and 11 wickets in her career.
How Women’s Cricket Has Changed In India - Sakshi’s View
In my opinion, women's cricket in India has undergone a complete transformation over the last few years. Earlier, women cricketers struggled with limited opportunities, low salaries and very little public attention.
However, things have started changing after the success of the Indian women's team in global tournaments. The introduction of the WPL has given players a huge platform to showcase their talent. The pinnacle of it all was the 2025 World Cup win by India for the 1st time in their history.
I believe that BCCI’s latest decision to appoint specialist women coaches is another sign that women's cricket is finally being treated with the seriousness it deserves.
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