--- title: "Mithali Raj Unfiltered: Leadership, Legacy, and Cricket’s Evolution" description: "Indian cricket legend Mithali Raj reflects on Jay Shah’s impact, her WPL decision, and the transformative growth of women’s cricket." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/the-scoop-mithali-raj-on-jay-shah-s-influence-on-women-s-cr-967020b7 published: 2026-07-02T15:40:06.509+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T15:40:06.509+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["cricket"] --- # Mithali Raj Unfiltered: Leadership, Legacy, and Cricket’s Evolution > Indian cricket legend Mithali Raj reflects on Jay Shah’s impact, her WPL decision, and the transformative growth of women’s cricket. Indian cricket icon Mithali Raj has opened up in a candid interview with Wisden, shedding light on the pivotal role of Jay Shah in the rise of women’s cricket, her decision to opt out of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and the seismic shifts in the sport since her playing days. Raj credits Shah, the BCCI secretary, for systemic changes that have propelled women’s cricket into a boom era, highlighting increased visibility, better pay, and improved infrastructure. Her choice to skip the WPL, she explains, was rooted in a desire to prioritize her legacy and focus on mentorship over competitive play. Raj’s reflections come at a time when women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the WPL and international tournaments drawing record viewership. She contrasts today’s environment with her early career, where limited opportunities and recognition were the norm. Raj’s leadership during her captaincy years laid the groundwork for this transformation, fostering a culture of resilience and ambition among players. Her decision to step away from the WPL, while surprising to some, underscores her commitment to shaping the sport’s future off the field. The rise of women’s cricket mirrors broader societal shifts toward gender equality in sports. Raj points to the 2023 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which drew 1.1 billion cumulative global viewers, as a turning point. She argues that the sport’s newfound popularity is not just a commercial success but a cultural shift, with young girls now seeing cricket as a viable career path. This generational change is reflected in the WPL’s expansion, where six franchises now operate, up from five in its inaugural season, and player salaries have surged by over 300% in two years. Raj also highlights the role of digital platforms in democratizing access to women’s cricket. Social media engagement for women’s matches has skyrocketed, with the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup final generating 12 million views on YouTube alone. She credits platforms like Instagram and YouTube for breaking down traditional barriers, allowing fans to engage directly with players and matches. This digital boom has created a virtuous cycle: greater visibility leads to more investment, which in turn fuels higher-quality content and deeper fan connections. In the interview, Raj also addresses comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, acknowledging the honor but emphasizing the unique challenges women cricketers face. She praises the current generation for their skill and professionalism, noting that the game has evolved beyond recognition. Anjali Doshi, Wisden’s interviewer, highlights Raj’s role as a trailblazer, whose choices and advocacy have been instrumental in breaking barriers for women in cricket. The structural gaps Raj faced early in her career—such as the absence of professional contracts or centralized contracts before 2018—have narrowed, but they haven’t vanished. While the BCCI’s investment in women’s cricket has tripled since 2020, reaching ₹100 crore annually, disparities persist in match fees and domestic scheduling. Raj argues that sustained policy enforcement is needed to ensure parity isn’t just financial but structural, embedding women’s cricket into the fabric of Indian cricket’s operations rather than treating it as an add-on. Raj’s mentorship philosophy extends beyond individual guidance. She’s actively involved in the BCCI’s Talent Resource Development Wing, where she works with state associations to identify and nurture young talent. Her approach blends traditional cricketing values with modern data-driven training, emphasizing mental resilience as much as technical skill. This dual focus reflects her belief that the next generation must be prepared for the physical demands of the modern game while navigating the psychological pressures of high-stakes competition. What’s next: Raj’s insights come as the WPL prepares for its next season, with expectations of even greater participation and investment. Her focus on mentorship signals a shift toward nurturing the next generation, ensuring the sport’s continued growth. As women’s cricket gains global traction, Raj’s legacy as a leader and change-maker remains at the forefront of its narrative. The BCCI’s next budget cycle, expected in March 2025, will be a critical test of whether the current momentum can translate into long-term structural parity. ## Why this matters Mithali Raj’s reflections on Jay Shah’s influence, her WPL decision, and the evolution of women’s cricket offer a rare glimpse into the forces shaping the sport’s future. Her candid insights underscore the systemic changes driving women’s cricket’s boom era, from improved infrastructure to heightened visibility. Raj’s choices, both on and off the field, highlight the challenges and opportunities faced by women cricketers, making her a pivotal figure in the sport’s history. Her emphasis on mentorship and legacy signals a new chapter in her impact, ensuring her influence extends beyond her playing days. The sport’s digital transformation and record viewership numbers prove that women’s cricket is no longer an afterthought—it’s a mainstream phenomenon with staying power. Raj’s mentorship focus also signals a critical juncture. The next generation of Indian cricketers, including players like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, are already making waves, but their success hinges on sustained investment in grassroots programs and coaching. Raj’s advocacy for mentorship could help bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring that the sport’s growth isn’t just a flash in the pan but a lasting legacy. The BCCI’s commitment to tripling investment by 2027 must now translate into equitable policies—match fees, domestic schedules, and international exposure—if the current momentum is to be sustained. ## Frequently asked ### Why did Mithali Raj opt out of the WPL? Mithali Raj chose to skip the Women’s Premier League (WPL) to focus on her legacy and mentorship, prioritizing off-field contributions over competitive play. ### What role did Jay Shah play in women’s cricket’s growth? Jay Shah, as BCCI secretary, implemented systemic changes that boosted women’s cricket, including better pay, increased visibility, and improved infrastructure. ### How has women’s cricket evolved since Mithali Raj’s playing days? Women’s cricket has transformed with record viewership, professional leagues like the WPL, and greater recognition, contrasting sharply with the limited opportunities of Raj’s early career. ### What impact has digital media had on women’s cricket? Digital platforms have democratized access, with social media engagement and streaming driving viewership. The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup final alone generated 12 million YouTube views. ### How many franchises are in the WPL now? The WPL has expanded to six franchises in its second season, up from five in the inaugural season. ### What percentage increase have WPL player salaries seen? WPL player salaries have surged by over 300% in two years, reflecting the league’s rapid commercial growth. ## Sources & Citations - [The Scoop: Mithali Raj on Jay Shah’s influence on women’s cricket, Tendulkar comparisons & her life in cricket](https://www.wisden.com/cricket-news/the-scoop-mithali-raj-on-jay-shahs-influence-on-womens-cricket-tendulkar-comparisons) — Wisden (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Mithali Raj Unfiltered: Leadership, Legacy, and Cricket’s Evolution. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/the-scoop-mithali-raj-on-jay-shah-s-influence-on-women-s-cr-967020b7