Sharanya Sadarangani makes history; becomes first female cricketer to be a part of ECS T10 League

Sharanya Sadarangani created history when she became the first woman cricketer to be a part of the ongoing edition of the European Cricket Series T10 League (ECS) on Monday (June 29). The Indian-origin cricketer played for KSV Cricket Club against PSV Hann Munden. However, her side lost the game by five wickets.



KSV made a horrendous start and were reduced to 51 for nine in only the seventh over. Walking in at No.11, after the dismissal of Masoud Dostkhel, Sadarangani couldn’t do much except playing some defensive shots before being run out trying to hustle for a quick single. KSV were eventually bowled out for 53 in the eighth over.



Meanwhile, she did have a decent day behind the stumps. She latched on to a brilliant catch off a rising delivery, but the batsman, Adeel Ahmad, wasn’t given out. But two balls later, the batter eventually perished. For the fact, Sadarangani has played alongside India internationals Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Veda Krishnamurthy back in 2012 while playing for Karnataka U-19.



“It’s a fantastic competition to be involved in. Having not experienced any T10 cricket before, it’s great to get the opportunity to play in this format of the game,” she said. Sharu, who will turn 25 in a few days’ time, is a current member of the Germany squad with international experience for Denmark and in England with Essex CCC.

‼️HISTORYMAKER! Sharanya Sadarangani sets the standard becoming the first female cricketer to play in Dream11 European Cricket Series‼️👇https://t.co/OKl2v5hcz5@Dream11 @FanCode @Cricket_Germany pic.twitter.com/EpR00iVd4p

— European Cricket (@EuropeanCricket) June 29, 2020

“The playing conditions let any gender play in these official matches, which are sanctioned as official cricket under the Deutscher Cricket Bund under the Federation’s ICC membership. Therefore, women are eligible if they are selected in the club’s squad,” said ECS Founder Daniel Weston.



“Cricket is a game for all and to be enjoyed by all, on and off the field. The way Sharanya kept wickets in her first match was very impressive and should be applauded and a door opener for all talented female cricketers in Europe to take their own cricket to higher levels,” he added.



“I was especially impressed with her first caught behind off the bowling of former Afghanistan international Izatullah Dawlatzai. I used to keep wickets to Izzatullah in the past and I know they come quick and can swing late. What Sharanya has done today (June 29) will only see her improve further and take more catches in the matches to come!”



“Sharu is an excellent player who also contributes immensely to the growth of the women’s game in Germany,” said Brian Mantle, CEO of the Deutscher Cricket Bund (DCB). “It’s great to see women’s cricket growing,” he added. “We hope to see women’s cricket shown on the European Cricket Network very soon.”