With women’s cricket continuing to draw larger audiences, Lucknowites turned up at a fan adda, a watch party organised at a city cafe for the India-South Africa Women’s T20 match. The event brought together students, city influencers, young professionals and cricket enthusiasts, many of whom said they wanted to be part of a fan culture that actively backs women’s cricket. As the match played out on the big screen, discussions around players and performances continued throughout the evening along with the watchers enjoying the food.
(L) Maysha Akhtar (R) Suhanee and Srishti
Vishakha Shakya and Shivangi Rai
The watch party also featured a graffiti wall where attendees left messages for Team India, including Indian Women Team Rocks and India Is Love, as well as a cricket-themed art corner that kept fans engaged during the match. “I have come here to show support for the women who are finally getting recognition in a sport that has largely been dominated by men,” said Suhani Malhotra.Among those present was Shivangi Rai, who has participated in local women’s cricket tournaments often. “I brought the boys too because if they are cricket fans, they shouldn’t just watch men playing the sport,” she said, laughing.
Tanushri Gupta and Anita Raj
(L) Yashwant Chauhan and Divya Chauhan (R) Vandana
While South Africa won the match by six wickets, fans stayed on till the final overs, cheering for Team India. “India didn’t win the match, but the spirit is still high, and we hope to see them lift the cup,” said attendee Mysha Akhtar, who stood cheering for the team till the end of the match.-Amina Ashraf
