Before India’s women cricketers became global stars, one man’s vision made it all possible. In the 1970s, Mahendra Kumar Sharma, a passionate sports enthusiast from Lucknow, took it upon himself to create opportunities for women in cricket. At a time when there was no structure or recognition for female players, Sharma went door to door, raising awareness and rallying support. His tireless efforts led to the formation of the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) in 1973, with Begum Hamida Habibullah as President and Sharma as the Founder Secretary.

Under his leadership, India saw its first women’s inter-state tournament in Pune and soon after, the national team played international matches against Australia and the West Indies. Despite limited funds and recognition, Sharma persisted, even selling personal property to sustain the sport.

Today, as Indian women cricketers shine on world stages, Mahendra Kumar Sharma’s pioneering spirit remains the foundation of their success - a true unsung hero of Indian cricket.