In a conservative and marginalised environment, especially for women, it is nothing short of remarkable that one of the neighbourhood’s own, Saika Ishaque, picked up cricket at a young age.
What’s more, the “ziddi” (headstrong) player from Park Circus went on to become one of Indian cricket’s breakout stars and rags-to-riches success stories of the year.
In a fairytale-like year, Saika signed a contract with the Mumbai Indians franchise in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL), completed a title-winning campaign with them and made an impressive debut for India in the recent T20 series against England.
The 28-year-old left-arm spinner now finds herself knocking on the doors of the Test team as India look to build a dominant squad.US Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad: I showed what Muslim women can do in sport
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A tribute to Mithali Raj, India’s cricketing genius
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Photos: At wrestling school in Indian village, women chase a better life
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Women’s football set to enter lucrative ‘NewCo’ era but pitfalls remain
