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Cricket, Confidence and Change: A Powerful Day for Girls in Mumbai

Cricket, Confidence and Change: A Powerful Day for Girls in Mumbai

The OSCAR Foundation, in partnership with The Right Pitch, has been given an incredible opportunity to bring cricket to girls living in underserved communities across Mumbai. Through the Cricket Unites initiative led by Dr Sarah Fane, Angus Berry and the MCC Foundation and generously funded by Barclays Bank Plc, what once felt impossible for many of these young girls is now becoming a reality.

For girls growing up with limited access to opportunity, where dreams can often feel distant this initiative is opening doors, building confidence and creating pathways for a brighter future.

“We are deeply grateful to the MCC Foundation for believing in OSCAR’s vision and to Barclays for investing in the futures of these young girls.” Ashok Rathod

A highlight of this journey was a vibrant cricket festival hosted at the iconic Cricket Club of India. The day was nothing short of inspirational. The girls from OSCAR and The Right Pitch seized the moment, showcasing their cricketing talent with passion, energy and pride. The day was beautifully led by the MCCF team, Vicky, Izzy, Daisy and Berry. 

Adding to the excitement, cricket legends Rahul Dravid and Mark Nicholas were in attendance. Rahul Dravid shared powerful words of encouragement, urging the girls to stay committed to their education and continue striving for their goals. Mark Nicholas highlighted the importance of friendship in cricket, encouraging the girls to bring their friends along and grow the game together.

“Seeing the OSCAR Foundation and The Right Pitch bring their participants to the Cricket Club of India was a truly remarkable experience. Memories will have been made and the festival showed girls that cricket is a game for them.” Angus Berry, Chief Executive, MCC Foundation.

Angus Berry with a future super star.

The future cricket stars listened intently, holding on to every word from their role models. The day culminated in a special ceremony where they received certificates, medals and wristbands. They left the stadium with huge smiles and a deep sense of pride and inspiration. 

It was more than just a day of cricket. It was a celebration of friendship, possibility and the transformative power of sport. It was a reminder that cricket can unite, uplift and create real change, especially when paired with OSCAR’s trademark enthusiasm and commitment to seizing every opportunity. Thank you, Kumar and the OSCAR team! 

The day concluded with a reception hosted by the Deputy British High Commission, bringing together like-minded individuals inspired by Deputy Head of Mission’s Jamie Scattergood’s call to think more deeply about how we can continue transforming lives and harness cricket as a force for meaningful change.

“Through Cricket Unites we are delivering weekly cricket sessions to girls across Mumbai. We are equipping our girls to make informed decisions, stay in education and find the courage to challenge early marriage and teenage pregnancy.

Today, we have witnessed the power of cricket to create change in young lives where opportunities are scarce and dreams are all too often out of reach.” Lucinda Sowerbutts 

Thank you to Rob Lawson, Chief Executive of the MCC,  Rob Lynch, Director of Cricket and Operations at MCC, Anand Chitre and Barclays volunteers, Joanna Dunne and last but not least the mighty MCC Touring team.

The MCC Touring team coaching, supporting and encouraging the girls
The fabulous Barclays volunteers

Learn more about the programme from Sarah Begg Cricket without Boundaries

A SIMPLE BUT IMPACTFUL GOAL, BUILDING OSCAR YOUTH LEADERS ON THE CRICKET FIELD.

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