When Richard Hadlee lost his bat to Diana Edulji in a wager
India's tour of New Zealand, 1976.
The Indian women’s tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1976 was remarkable for more reasons than one. These were difficult times for the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI), which was severely underfunded and players had to arrange their own resources and facilities just to make the tour possible. The situation was so sire that the WCAI arranged the stay of the players at the home of the locals in New Zealand.
During one of the tour matches, Richard Hadlee had come to the ground to support his wife, Karen. Diana Edulji was not only a fan of his but also an admirer of his famous Crown bat. While the two were in conversation, Hadlee remarked with a laugh:
“You skinny people - how do you expect to hit any boundaries, let alone sixes!”
The comment did not sit well with Diana. She pushed back and asked what she would receive in return if she did manage to hit a six. Hadlee’s reply was simple: “Anything!”
Diana approached her captain, Shantha and requested her to be promoted up the batting order so she could make good on her wager. It did not take her long to clear the fence. Once she had met the challenge, she ran back to Hadlee and told him she had long had her eye on his famous Crown bat - and that would be her prize.
Hadlee, true to his word, happily obliged.
This was the beginning of the times to come, when the Indian women players would not bow down against oppression and insult.
New story drops every Wednesday!
In this blog, I unearth forgotten gems, celebrate historical triumphs, and explore the finest literature from the world of cricket.
If you find these stories meaningful, or if they show you why cricket is important on and off the field, consider sharing them or subscribing.
Maybe consider buying me a cup of coffee?
While everything on CFC is free to read, we have been a reader-supported platform since the beginning. Your support helps me sustain this dream and to keep researching, writing, and traveling to cricket grounds to bring you stories that matter.
The game you know, stories you don’t!
Find your next cricket read:
Want to Read More of My Writing?
I also write newsletters about travel and food. If you are looking for travel ideas and itineraries or just want to read fascinating travel stories, you should consider following Backpack Chronicles by clicking the buttons below: