BCCI Shakes Setup, Does This For The 1st Time In History

A New Era for Indian Women’s Cricket

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues its relentless pursuit of excellence, taking another monumental step toward fortifying the future of women’s cricket in the country. Over the past few years, the board has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of the sport by introducing pay parity, launching the highly successful Women’s Premier League (WPL), enhancing match fees, and upgrading training facilities for players across the board.

As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5, the spotlight on the ‘Women in Blue’ has intensified. India is set to begin its campaign with a marquee encounter against Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston. With the squad officially announced—led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana—the team finds itself in a competitive Group A alongside powerhouses like Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands.

The BCCI Shakes Setup, Does This For The 1st Time In History

In what is arguably the most progressive structural change to date, the BCCI has appointed three specialist women coaches at its Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. This development marks the first time in history that dedicated female coaching staff have been integrated into the development centre, signaling a departure from traditional recruitment patterns.

According to reports, the initiative is designed to provide mentorship from those who have walked the path of international cricket. The trio of appointed coaches includes:

• Nooshin Al Khadeer (Bowling Coach): A veteran of the game, Nooshin brings a wealth of experience, having played 78 ODIs for India with an impressive haul of 100 wickets at an economical rate of 3.57. She also appeared in 5 Tests, claiming 14 wickets at an economy rate of 1.80.
• V. R. Vanitha (Fielding Coach): Known for her sharp instincts, the former India international has transitioned seamlessly into coaching and talent scouting, having also been a key figure with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL.
• Sunetra Paranjpe (Batting Coach): A former India all-rounder who represented the nation in Tests and ODIs between 2002 and 2007. Over the course of her 28 ODI appearances, she contributed 322 runs and 11 wickets, offering a balanced perspective to the batting unit.

These coaches will work directly with junior and senior emerging players, while coordinating their efforts with VVS Laxman, the head of cricket operations at the COE.

The Transformation of the Women’s Game

The trajectory of women’s cricket in India over the last decade has been nothing short of transformative. Years ago, the narrative was dominated by stories of limited opportunities, inadequate financial support, and a lack of public visibility. However, the consistent success of the national team on the global stage has shifted public perception and administrative priority.

The advent of the WPL has served as a catalyst, providing a professional platform for talent to thrive. This upward trajectory reached its peak when the Indian team secured their maiden World Cup victory in 2025—a moment that redefined the sport’s history in the country. The decision to bring in specialist women coaches is not merely an administrative hiring process; it is a clear declaration that women’s cricket is finally being treated with the high-level professional seriousness and structural investment it rightfully deserves. By investing in mentorship, the BCCI is ensuring that the technical and tactical development of players is supported by those with intimate knowledge of the rigors of the international game.