Why Are Women Always to Blame? A Take on the BCCI’s New Guideline for Wives of Indian Cricketers

Picture this: India’s cricket team underperforms, and instead of scrutinizing training or strategy, the focus shifts to wives accompanying players on tours. Reports on BCCI’s new guideline limiting how long wives of Indian cricketers can accompany them on tours has sparked a conversation on this.

As a woman and a cricket enthusiast, this development feels like another instance of a troubling trend: when things go wrong, women are blamed.

The Burden of Perfection

Women often face the burden of perfection in relationships and family dynamics. In cricket, this bias manifests every time the team performs poorly. Instead of evaluating real challenges, narratives emerge suggesting wives’ presence is a “distraction” for Indian cricketers.

But where’s the proof? No evidence suggests that wives accompanying cricketers on tours directly impacts performance. On the contrary, emotional support from loved ones often enhances mental well-being, especially in high-pressure professions.

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Women as Convenient Scapegoats

This isn’t new. Women are often unfairly blamed in other areas of life, too. If a child underperforms, the mother is questioned. Or, if a marriage fails, society scrutinizes the woman. And, even if a man falters in his career, his partner’s role is analyzed.

In cricket, the pattern is the same. Anushka Sharma, for instance, faced undue backlash every time Virat Kohli had a bad day on the field. The idea that her presence influenced his game is both absurd and sexist.

A Flawed Premise of Targeting Wives of Indian Cricketers 

The BCCI new guidelines implies that restricting wives’ presence will ensure players remain focused. But what does this say about cricketers’ self-discipline? Are we suggesting that grown men, trained in mental and physical toughness, can’t focus on their game with their wives nearby?

This premise reduces women to mere distractions and shifts accountability away from players and management. It’s a convenient excuse rather than a solution.

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Emotional Sacrifices of Wives

Being the spouse of a cricketer isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. Many of these women sacrifice their own careers and endure long periods of separation. They’re the silent support systems for players who are constantly under public scrutiny.

Suggesting their presence hinders performance disregards these sacrifices. It also undermines the growing awareness of mental health in sports, where family support plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional stability.

The Bigger Picture

This issue isn’t just about cricket. It highlights a societal mindset that often holds women accountable for men’s failures. Whether in relationships, workplaces, or even on the cricket field, women are unfairly scrutinized and expected to shoulder blame.

Instead of labeling wives as distractions, why not empower players to take responsibility for their performances? Why not create an environment where challenges are addressed constructively instead of finding convenient scapegoats?

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A Woman’s Perspective

As Indian women, we know what it feels like to be unfairly judged. At work, at home, and in public life, our actions are questioned and our choices doubted. The BCCI’s decision feels like yet another chapter in this story.

Instead of isolating the Indian cricketers from their families, we should celebrate the emotional support that loved ones bring. Blaming women for the team’s losses is not only unfair but also counterproductive.

Cricket is a religion in India, but it’s time to rethink how we treat the women in this ecosystem. Wives, partners, and families are vital to players’ lives and their well-being. Their presence should be respected, not restricted.

So, the next time the team loses a match, let’s resist the urge to look for someone to blame—especially the women. Instead, let’s focus on the game, the strategy, and the resilience that defines cricket.

Because blaming women for everything is a habit we must unlearn.

Also Read: We need more women at work to uplift Indian economy, but where are they?

Also Read: Patriarchal ‘Mard’ takes a Backseat – Celeb Husbands who Openly Thanked their Wives for their Financial Support

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