Bangalore: While the Bangalore boy Anil Kumle-led Team India is taking the Australian team and ICC umpires head on these days, cricket lovers in his home city are eager to watch a Mothers' and Grannies' Cricket Tournament here.
Teams consisting members between 45 to 75 years age group will participate in the tournament held in two categories. The players are practicing here ahead of the day-long tournament that starts on January 12.
Around 50 women will be seen in action but the suspense remains: Which team will clinch the Spurthi Cup?
Being hosted by Hanumanthnagar Spurthi Mahila Samaja in the city, the tournament is all set to attract cricket lovers’ attention regardless of age.
The matches will be played at Kohinoor Fields, Gavipuram in a quiet middle-class neighbourhood in south Bangalore.
With just a few days left for the D-Day, the coaches of respective teams are seen egging on their 'wards' to further their skills on the cricket ground.
"We, as a team, will be playing against another team under the age of 45. These ladies will be playing against group of other women from other club. They are group of enthusiastic ladies. Most of them have two-three kids. We have been practicing from last 15 days. Some of the ladies have picked up very well," said Krishna, coach for the Spurthi Ladies Cricket Club.
Many of the women, who have never played cricket before, are enthusiastic about the matches.
"These are all memories of my college days. It just takes me to 20 years back to my college time when I was an athlete. I am feeling very proud and happy to have become a member of one of the teams. They have given me an opportunity to play cricket as an all rounder," said Janani, a member of women cricket team.
For the group of 40-plus ladies, cricket has now become the most sought after game.
"I have played other sports but cricket. I never thought that I can play cricket but after I started playing cricket under Spurthi Club, I have gained a lot of interest and I am enjoying the game," Jaya, another member of women cricket team.
"Nobody of us has ever tried cricket before. They have seen their children and grandchildren play cricket. They are fit to pick the ball and pass it to children. We took it as challenge thinking why not we also play as we are also quite capable of and strong. Many of us practice yoga and some go to the gym," said Bhagyalakshmi, member of one of the teams.
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