From the cricket pitch to the boardroom, Shubhangi Kulkarni has been a trailblazer for women in Indian sport for decades. A former stalwart of the national team, Kulkarni seamlessly transitioned from player to administrator, shaping the trajectory of women’s cricket in India and beyond. “It’s wonderful to see where women’s cricket is now, when we compare it to what it was when we began,” she reflects, noting the growth in competitiveness, investment, and global awareness of the game.
Kulkarni’s impact began early in her playing days, organizing tours, booking hotels, and ensuring players had the necessary resources. That hands-on experience naturally led her to governance, where she became the secretary of the Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI). Her vision was clear: elevate the standard of the Indian team while growing the sport at the grassroots. Under her leadership, international matches became a revenue engine, fueling investments in domestic tournaments and youth development.
Perhaps her most historic contribution came in 2006, when the BCCI started overseeing women’s cricket in India and the WCAI was wound down. This was a pivotal moment that unlocked access to world-class facilities, funding, and professional support. “Board of Control for Cricket in India starting women’s cricket was a watershed moment that accelerated the growth of women’s cricket in India by ensuring equal access to infrastructure, funding, governance, and international opportunities,” Kulkarni recalls, highlighting how sponsorships from companies like Sahara and Infosys helped India reach the World Cup finals.
Beyond India, Kulkarni has been a key figure on the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee and the Asian Cricket Council, expanding opportunities for women in countries where cricket was just taking root. She proudly cites Thailand’s rise to the T20 World Cup as a milestone, underscoring her role in nurturing the sport globally. Domestically, she continues to shape the future through her position as Member, IPL Governing Council, bridging insights between men’s and women’s professional leagues.
Looking ahead, Kulkarni envisions a more inclusive cricketing world, with women occupying senior leadership roles across boards and coaching academies. “Slowly but surely, women are getting included in different roles in different aspects. We need to keep encouraging that,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of decision-making roles for women at all levels. For Kulkarni, the journey from player to powerbroker demonstrates that dedication, vision, and leadership can transform an entire sport.