Is South Asian Cricket Academy Revolutionizing Women's Cricket?

Naomi Dattani stands out as one of only five players of South Asian heritage in the county cricket scene, highlighting a significant representation gap. The South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA) plans to address this issue by launching its inaugural women's programme for the 2026 season, aimed at developing non-professionally contracted British South Asian women. This fully-funded high-performance elite programme will seek between six to ten participants over the next 12 months, marking a pivotal step in promoting diversity and inclusion in women's cricket.

Last updated: 09 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The launch of SACA's inaugural women's programme signifies a proactive step towards increasing female representation within the sport. With only five professional South Asian women currently playing in county cricket, this initiative aims to create pathways for women from similar backgrounds to enter the game at a higher level. The programme will be fully funded, making it accessible to those who may face financial barriers, thus fostering a more inclusive environment in the sport.

Key takeaways

The South Asian Cricket Academy is launching its first women's programme for the 2026 season.
The initiative seeks 6-10 non-professionally contracted British South Asian women aged over 18.
Support from Take Her Lead, a charity focused on advancing equality in cricket, will strengthen the programme.
Currently, only 3.3% of professional players in county cricket are of South Asian heritage.
The programme aims to replicate the success of SACA’s men's initiative, which has already helped 18 players secure professional contracts.

Timeline: how we got here

The South Asian Cricket Academy was established in 2022, with a mission to increase representation in cricket. Key milestones include:

2022: SACA established, focusing on supporting male players of South Asian background.
2023: SACA reports a rise in professional players of South Asian descent from 4% to 13% in county cricket.
2026: Launch of the inaugural women's programme, aiming to increase female participation.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of the women's programme represents a significant development in cricket, as it specifically targets the underrepresentation of South Asian women in the sport. With a formal structure and advisory group, it aims to create a tailored environment for these players.

What was already established

Before this initiative, SACA had already made strides in supporting male players of South Asian backgrounds, helping 18 secure professional contracts. The percentage of South Asian players in the male game has seen a notable increase, demonstrating the efficacy of targeted support programmes.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The initiative is expected to increase interest and participation in cricket among South Asian women, potentially leading to greater community engagement and support for local clubs. This could translate into increased attendance at matches and higher levels of grassroots participation.

Businesses and jobs

As the programme develops, it may create opportunities for coaching and administrative roles within the sport, further diversifying the workforce in cricket. Additionally, successful players could inspire new talent, benefiting local clubs and academies.

Policy and regulation

The launch of this programme may encourage further policy initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in sports. The ongoing support from organisations like Take Her Lead highlights a growing recognition of the need for inclusivity in cricket.

Numbers that matter

5: The current number of professional South Asian female cricket players in county cricket.
3.3%: The percentage of professional players in county cricket who are of South Asian heritage.
13%: The increase in the percentage of professional male players of South Asian descent since SACA's establishment.
26: The number of South Asian players currently in county academies, up from 18.
6-10: The number of women the SACA is looking to recruit for its inaugural women's programme.

Definitions and jargon buster

South Asian Cricket Academy (SACA): An organisation established to support and increase professional opportunities for cricketers of South Asian background.
Take Her Lead: A charity aimed at promoting equality and diversity in cricket, particularly for women and girls.
High-performance programme: A structured training initiative designed to improve the skills and competitive edge of participants in elite sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Focus will be on recruiting participants for the women's programme and establishing the necessary training frameworks. This period is crucial for setting the tone and direction of the initiative.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the programme progresses, it will be essential to monitor participant development and engagement levels. Feedback will be important for refining training approaches and ensuring inclusivity.

Signals to watch

Recruitment numbers for the inaugural women's programme.
Engagement levels of participants and their performance in training sessions.
Community response and feedback regarding the programme's impact on local cricket.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage local South Asian women to apply for the programme.
Support grassroots initiatives that promote women's cricket.
Engage with local cricket clubs to foster a more inclusive environment.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of representation in sports.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to SACA for support or guidance.
Don’t ignore the feedback from participants to improve the programme.

Checklist

Check eligibility for the women's programme.
Research local clubs and academies focused on women's cricket.
Stay informed about the progress of the programme and its impact.
Engage with community events promoting cricket for women and girls.
Support local South Asian players in their cricketing journey.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the programme has strong backing and a clear vision, its success will depend on sustained engagement from participants and the community. Potential challenges include securing long-term funding and maintaining consistent support from cricket authorities. There is also the risk that initial interest may not translate into sustained participation or professional opportunities for the women involved.

Bottom line

The launch of SACA's women's programme marks a significant step towards increasing diversity in cricket, especially for South Asian women. By providing a structured, supportive environment, the initiative aims to foster talent and create pathways into professional cricket. As this programme unfolds, its impact on participation and representation will be closely watched, with the potential to reshape the landscape of women's cricket in the UK.

FAQs

What is the South Asian Cricket Academy women's programme?

The South Asian Cricket Academy women's programme is a new initiative aimed at developing non-professionally contracted British South Asian women cricketers, providing a fully-funded, high-performance training opportunity.

How many places are available in the programme?

There are between six to ten places available for the inaugural women's programme, targeting non-professionally contracted players over the age of 18.

Who is supporting the women's programme?

The programme is supported by Take Her Lead, a charity dedicated to promoting equality in cricket, alongside an advisory group led by former England international Isa Guha.