Karnal girls redefine boundaries in cricket

On the green fields of Karnal city, where boys have traditionally dominated cricket, a quiet transformation is taking place. Young girls, particularly of rural background, with determination and passion are breaking barriers to prove that talent knows no gender. They are not only doing extraordinary on ground, but also in state-level camps.

Suman Sandhu, a first-year BA student from Gagsina village, has already secured a place in the under-23 Haryana state camp, defying limited facilities and the stereotype that cricket is a “boys’ game”. “Cricket is not just a sport for me, it is a way to prove that girls can achieve as much as boys if given the opportunity,” she says with quiet confidence.

Her father, Dinesh Sandhu, is a farmer and her mother is a homemaker. Every day, she travels nearly 20 km on her scooter to reach the academy. “I want to play for India at the international level. I want to prove that girls are not behind in any field,” says Suman.

She is not alone, Naina, a Class XI student from Shahpur village, bowls in the nets with the dream of wearing the Indian jersey one day. “I want to play for India as a bowler,” she says.

Similarly, Tripti Maan, a Class XII student from Sitamai village, is scripting her own journey. She had attended under-15 state-level camp, a feat that has inspired many other girls in her locality. For Tripti, balancing studies and rigorous practice has never been easy, but her dedication is firm.

“When I am on the ground, I forget everything else. The bat and ball give me strength and freedom. My mother is a teacher who always helps me with my studies as well,” she shares.

Like them, Lakshika, Kriti, Jareshi, Sejal, Yashpreet, Reetu and others are also practicing in the nets with the dream of representing India.

They are receiving training at the Narwal Cricket Academy at Nishan Public School, run by former cricketer Sumit Narwal. Their coach, Udham Singh, is proud of their progress. “These girls work tirelessly, often putting in as much effort as any professional player. Their dream is to shine on the national and international platform, and they are moving in the right direction,” he says.

This growing trend of girls excelling in cricket is not confined to just one academy. At the Karnal Cricket Coaching Centre in Sector-9, which operates under the Sports Department, 16 girls step onto the pitch every day. Here, coach Dinesh Khokhar observes an outstanding change: “The girls are performing just like the boys. In fact, their discipline, focus and hunger to learn often give them an edge,” he said.

Mannat, a Class XI student, completed her state camp last year and is preparing for trials again this year. “Cricket is my passion and my only goal is to represent India on the international stage,” says Mannat.

Like her, 13-year-old Archana also completed her under-15 state-level camp and shared the same dream. Left-arm medium pacer Rajni, from Nagla Megha village, will appear for the under-23 state camp trials this year. Palak, Bharti, Kiyara, Palak Vidushi and others too are practicing with the same passion.

Similarly, girls are also showing interest in cricket at other academies like Partap Cricket Academy, Khalsa Cricket Academy, OPS Academy, RS Academy and others.

As more girls across Karnal take to the cricket pitch with unwavering determination and big dreams, they are not just playing a sport — they are rewriting the narrative. These young athletes are proving that with passion, perseverance and the right support, no boundary is too far.