Cricket, one of the most recognised sports globally, is played in 120 countries. Yet, in Regina, keeping women's cricket teams active has proven difficult.
Regina boasts over 24 cricket clubs and at least 30 teams, but all cater exclusively to men. There was once a women's team affiliated with the Titans club, but it has since faded away.
Filmmaker Ayesha Mohsin, who has a background in cricket, intended to spotlight the Titans women's team in a mini-documentary for CBC's Creator Network this spring. However, her plans were derailed when she discovered that the team had gradually disbanded. Instead, Mohsin focused on interviewing individuals about their love for the sport and what could be done to revive women's cricket in Regina.
One of those hopeful for a resurgence is Misbah Rasool, a player and coach with deep cricket roots. Her father was a cricket star in Pakistan, her brother played for a Regina club, and her son, Baidar Bakht, represented Canada’s U19 team. Rasool's daughter, Minahil Fatima, recalled how much cricket has meant to her mother and the entire family.
"Cricket brings her immense happiness," Fatima shared, noting that her mother remains enthusiastic about the game. "Even now, she's the first to watch, and she'd be ready to play any day."
Krishna Trivedi and Aeshaben Vyas, former members of the Titans' women's team, also expressed a desire to revive the team. Trivedi, who played her first outdoor game of cricket, highlighted that the sport keeps her healthy. Vyas cherished social connections and camaraderie, mentioning that joining the team helped her make lasting friendships after moving to Canada.
The Titans club cited a lack of funding and interest as reasons for the women's team's dissolution. In contrast, the men's teams in the club are thriving, with eight to nine new teams forming in Regina this season alone. Players hail from diverse backgrounds, including those born and raised in Saskatchewan and new Canadians from cricket-loving nations like Pakistan, India, Nepal, South Africa, and England.
Rasool believes women's cricket should be more integrated into Western society, suggesting that the Regina Cricket Association (RCA) and Saskatoon Cricket Association (SCA) should organise efforts for women similar to those they provide for men and youth.
The Saskatchewan Cricket Association, with members in Regina, Saskatoon, Davidson, Weyburn, and Prince Albert, runs programs, including an under-19 girls' program in Saskatoon. The Regina Association hopes to eventually offer similar initiatives. Cricketer and coach Alfred Trotman stressed the importance of youth programs in growing female participation in the sport.
Trotman advocated for community-level programs for young girls, which could then be expanded into school initiatives for further development. He also highlighted the need for increased funding and more dedicated individuals willing to invest time and effort into women's cricket.
The women Mohsin interviewed echoed Trotman's sentiments, agreeing that the benefits of reviving women's cricket in Regina would be substantial. The sport not only keeps women active, but also fosters a sense of community and purpose.
"It gives women an opportunity to be more than just home-makers," Fatima remarked, addressing societal stigmas. "Women are often seen as only responsible for taking care of kids or supporting their husbands."
For now, the women continue to play casually, hoping to inspire others to get involved and reignite competitive women's cricket in Regina.