Al Jazeera
Malawi’s cricketer girls break stereotypes and barriers
Malawian Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team breaks through thick glass ceiling, one game at a time.
Vice Captain Mary Mavuka, 18, poses on the pitch of their training grounds, Blantyre, Malawi, 2016.
Batsman Dalitso Ndipo, 19, poses on the pitch of their training grounds, Blantyre, Malawi, 2016.
Captain Shahida Hussein, 17, poses on the pitch of their training grounds, Blantyre, Malawi, 2016.
Bowler Vanessa Phiri ,14, tries on batsman gear during a practice session at St Andrew's International School, Blantyre, Malawi, 2016.
Bowler Brenda Ndipo,15, on the pitch at St Andrew’s International School, Blantyre, Malawi, 2016.
Members of the Malawi Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team during a practice batting session at their training grounds, Blantyre, Malawi, 2016.
Bowler Triphonia Luka, 15 on the pitch at St Andrew’s International School, Blantyre, Malawi, 2016
Vice Captain Mary Muvuka helps a teammate put her helmet on during a practice session at their training grounds at St Andrew’s International School, Blantyre, Malawi, 2016.
Shalani, Allrounder, Malawian U19 Women’s Cricket Team, Malawi, 2016.
written by Nick Schönfeld
Blantyre, Malawi – Vivek Ganesan founded the Cricket Academy in 2010. He decided to start small, with one team of 10 players, all local children from low-income areas. The academy grew faster than expected, and three years later, Ganesan found himself managing a nationwide sport and education programme in 25 schools all over Malawi.
“I swore not to treat a player differently whether … they were the cousin of a minister or high-ranking official,” said Ganesan, a boisterous 38-year-old with seemingly limitless energy.