Mithali Raj Shares Marriage Conversations with Prospective Grooms: “Leave Cricket, Focus on Family”

India’s best women cricketer and one of the most famous cricketers in the world, Mithali Raj, has not only redefined women’s cricket but also faced societal pressures that often overshadowed her sporting achievements. Despite her legendary status, with numerous records including over 10,000 runs in international cricket, Mithali faced awkward marriage discussions from potential suitors, who suggested that she leave her career to focus on family.

In a candid interview, she recalled how suitors, introduced by her aunts, questioned her commitment to cricket and motherhood, with one even asking her to choose between caring for her mother or playing cricket. She said:

I didn’t get that sense, honestly (that they were talking to Mithali Raj). Now these calls were set up by my mother’s sister, so I agreed to talk. So after the pleasantries, they would dive straight into post-marriage scenes, discussing how many kids they wanted. I was on backfoot because those were the things I never imagined, nor did I ever discuss with anyone. I would always think about Indian cricket. So yes I was taken aback by some of those statements, of how many kids I want or that I have to let go of cricket.

Mithali, known for her leadership in guiding India to the Women’s World Cup final in 2017, was taken aback by such questions. She also shared advice from a cricketer friend who warned that no man would accept her lifestyle.

Despite these challenges, Mithali, who remains unmarried, has always placed her career above these pressures, determined not to sacrifice her achievements for societal expectations, becoming an icon for future generations of women cricketers.