Mithali Raj on Shabaash Mithu: Patriarchy exists. But it is changing and will take some time to eradicate it fully

Mithali Raj – one of the pioneers of Indian Women’s cricket – believes that despite the existing patriarchy, changes are happening in women’s cricket. The cricketer, along with the filmmaker Srijit Mukherji and actress Taapsee Pannu, attended a press conference at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. They were on a city tour to promote Shabaash Mithu – a biopic on Mithali’s life. The film is set to release on July 15.

While answering the questions from the media, Mithali said that patriarchy still exists in the sports administrations, but it is gradually changing. She also added that the constant effort will empower women. “Patriarchy still exists. But it is changing. It will take some time to eradicate patriarchy completely. Things are improving. I personally believe that if you keep performing things will change the way society looks at women and judges them solely on their ability and skills rather than anything else,” said the cricketer. 

Meanwhile, Srijit reminded us that in a historic move, New Zealand has declared equal match fees for men and women cricketers. “New Zealand cricket just announced the same pay for men and women cricket. Things are indeed changing and will further change from here,” the director said. 

Mithali was also asked if she would like to be part of the board of administration post her retirement to which she said, “Well, that can definitely be a choice I would like to consider if I am offered a position.”

While the shooting of Shabaash Mithu, Mithali was away at a training camp. The cricketer was also in a bio-bubble. It was coach Nooshin Al Khadeer who trained Taapsee for the film. Taapsee gave credit to Nooshin for shaping her up for the film. “During the making of the film, ma’am (Mithali) was very busy. She was playing and training at the World Cup camp. I was very busy working so that somehow the ball hit the bat. And Nooshin trained me to make me look like Mithali Raj on screen,” said the actress.