As a schoolgirl, she had to play the game without her parents knowing. Now, the tribal player is the toast of Kerala’s Wayanad and beyond
For Kerala cricketer Minnu Mani, life has come full circle. Within the span of a few months, the 24-year-old all-rounder has experienced multiple emotions. Hailing from the Kurichiya tribe in Wayanad, Mani not only became the only player from the state to be part of the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) after Delhi Capitals bought her for ₹30 lakh, but also made her successful India T20 debut against Bangladesh last month.
What makes Mani emotional is the love she has been receiving from the people of Wayanad since she grabbed the limelight as an India cricketer and how parents are now egging on their daughters to take up cricket and follow in the footsteps of Mani.
“I had to face backlash from society as well as my parents when I showed interest in cricket. Until eighth standard, my parents didn’t even know I was secretly playing local matches. I was expected to study and work in the paddy fields and assist my parents in farming.
“Locals are so excited that someone from Wayanad is now playing for India and now they want their daughters to learn the sport like me. I have asked the local administration to grant me a small piece of land where I with the help of my sisters can build a cricket nursery so that the budding cricketers do not have to travel miles to train,” said Mani, who bagged five wickets in the three-match T20 series against Bangladesh and was the most impressive amongst all Indian bowlers.
Source : Hindus Time News
