- Isa Guha emphasizes the importance of ethnic diversity in cricket and increasing girls’ participation.
- The former England cricketer discusses her role as a broadcaster during the Ashes series.
- Guha highlights the challenges faced by women in cricket, especially in traditional South Asian families.
- She explains how her charity, Take Her Lead, aims to support girls and promote diversity in cricket.
The Cricket World: Isa Guha on Ethnic Diversity and Girls’ Participation
Isa Guha, a prominent figure in the world of cricket broadcasting, has been making waves with her dedication to advancing ethnic diversity and increasing girls’ participation in the sport. As the Ashes series between England and Australia unfolds, Guha prepares to share her insights and experiences from both sides of the commentary desk.
A Passion for Diversity
“We want to advance ethnic diversity in cricket and increase girls’ participation,” Isa Guha asserts. Her statement comes as part of a broader conversation about inclusivity within the sport, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by women and those from diverse backgrounds.
“When I was speaking to young girls, it became clear they were facing the same issues I faced 20 years ago,” Guha continues. “There’s all this amazing investment coming in at the top level of the women’s game, but still a lot of work needing to be done in grassroots and at community level for girls to truly believe they belong.”
Take Her Lead: A Fundraising Effort
In 2020, Guha established Take Her Lead, a charity dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in cricket. The initiative aims to support other charities working towards creating the best possible environment for women to stay involved in the sport.
“Between the ages of 10 and 15, girls are 20 per cent more likely to drop out of sport than boys,” Guha notes. “One great quote I heard is that boys need to be competitive to feel they belong, but girls need to feel they belong before they can be competitive.” This perspective underscores the importance of addressing psychological barriers in addition to practical ones.
Personal Journey and Inspiration
The idea for Take Her Lead was born out of Guha’s personal journey. In 2001, aged just 16, she became the first woman of South Asian heritage to play for England in any sport. Reflecting on her early days, she acknowledges the support from her mother and other older players who guided her through the challenges.
“There were definitely times when I was 12 or 13 when I wanted to quit cricket,” Guha recalls. “But I didn’t because of amazing advice I had from Mum and older players who were on the pathway and took me under their wing.” This support has been crucial in shaping her career and her vision for a more inclusive cricket environment.
Broadcasting with Passion
Guha’s broadcasting career has seen her lead another Ashes ‘tour’ as part of fundraising efforts. She will also continue to describe the series with the calm, insightful authority that has made her one of the leading female sports broadcasters and presenters in cricket.
“I never imagined I would be doing Wimbledon,” Guha says with a laugh. “But it’s been a fantastic journey so far.” Her work on broadcasting platforms like the BBC and Fox Sports highlights the growing recognition of diverse voices within the sports media landscape.
The Ashes: A Unique Opportunity
As the Ashes series approaches, Guha remains optimistic about England’s prospects. “Under Ben Stokes, anything is possible,” she says. However, she acknowledges concerns over the team’s build-up and preparation for the first Test in Perth.
“They’ve got the players to win no question, but they’ve got to be on it from Perth, otherwise it can go downhill very quickly, as we’ve seen so often in the past,” Guha warns. Her insights provide a unique perspective from someone who has spent years navigating the complexities of international cricket.
Conclusion
The journey ahead for cricket, particularly in promoting diversity and girls’ participation, is challenging but necessary. Isa Guha’s work with Take Her Lead and her ongoing role as a broadcaster highlights the importance of continued efforts to create an inclusive environment within the sport.
“We’re not there yet,” she concludes, “but every step forward counts.” As the Ashes series unfolds, Guha will continue to play a vital role in shaping the conversation around diversity and inclusivity in cricket.
