Ayesha in Ranji squad is closer to donning blue jersey

Story by ATV | Posted by Aasha Khosa | Date 23-10-2021

Ayesha Amin Sheikh with onlookers

Shahtaj Khan/Pune

Ayesha Amin Sheikh has been selected for the Maharashtra Ranji Trophy team after her intense struggle of four years. She was also a member of the State's Under-19 team.

An all-rounder, this selection is dream come true for Ayesha, whose aim is to don the Blue jersey, the uniform of the Indian national cricket team, one day.

Ayesha Amin Sheikh, 19, started playing cricket four years ago. Earlier, she had won a silver medal in fencing in the State championship.

Ayesha Amin practising with her father Amin Sheikh

In 2015, Ayesha decided to switch over to cricket, she paid full attention to the game. Soon, she was on the college team.

In her B.A, Arts, first-year course, Ayesha scored 85% marks, even as she continued to practice cricket and play tournaments.

Ayesha made three attempts to get selected for the Maharashtra Women's Under-19 cricket team. In her first attempt, she failed due to a knee injury. This kept her away from the field for many months.

However, after recovering she returned and started practicing for selection of the Under-19 team. In her second attempt, Ayesha managed to make it to the last 25 players and was rejected due to lack of full physical fitness.

She was selected in her third attempt. However, due to the Covid-induced lockdown, the cricket matches were never conducted and therefore Ayesha could never play in the under-19 team for her State.

Ayesha's proud father Amin Sheikh

This was a bit of a disappointment for Ayesha, for she has reached so far and yet lost all thrill of playing the game.

However, Ayesha Amin did not give up and kept practicing and taking care of her fitness.

Ayesha Amin Sheikh told Awaz-the Voice said that she had played many tournaments for a local club and her college team. The selectors of the Ranji Trophy team spotted her when Ayesha scored an unbeaten 46 runs in a tournament.

Ayesha has always received the full support of her parents. They never imposed any restrictions on her and instead helped her remain focused.

Her father Amin Sheikh is a former cricketer. "When he came to know that Ayesha was interested in cricket, I tried my best to guide her. I got her admitted to a good cricket club. I would become the bowler for her practice sessions” said Amin Sheikh.

He wanted her daughter’s cricket career to take off. He says till some time ago cricket was considered a boys' game but now the situation has changed; girls are also proving their mettle in the field and women’s cricket has taken off in a big way.

Ayesha Amin Sheikh’s image is that of a Tom Boy. She always stays away from household chores and the traditional Islamic veil. Due to his father's full support, she never faced any problems.

With her focus, Ayesha, is determined to make a name in the world of women's cricket.

Ayesha believes having confidence in your abilities can lead you to success. “No sincere effort ever goes waste,” she said.