Jyothi Joshi – The pillar of women’s cricket of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh

She was a jovial and jolly person who kept the players entertained with her sense of humour cracking jokes in her typical style. She treated the players in friendly manner and ensured the atmosphere in the players room was always cheerful.

By Manjula Nirmal Kumar 

Hyderabad: Jyothi Joshi, along with a few sports enthusiasts, was instrumental in forming women’s cricket association in erstwhile Andhra Pradesh way back in 1975 on the eve of “international year for women”. Exactly five decades down the lane she breathed her last breath on Tuesday leaving many former cricketers shellshocked, especially those who played the game before the BCCI took over the administration of the game.

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She was a shrewd and canny administrator who held her ground on many nitty gritty issues of running the game with absolutely no financial support from any quarters. She along with Late TN Pillay struggled to keep the game going. Thanks to their sincerity and commitment Women’s Cricket in Andhra Pradesh took baby steps tottering and tumbling but stood up and walked all the way to today’s thriving game flushed with funds under the wings of BCCI.

Ms Jyothi Joshi who worked as Physical Director of Osmania University Women’s college in Koti, used to frequently accompany the India and State teams as the manager. She was a jovial and jolly person who kept the players entertained with her sense of humour cracking jokes in her typical style. She treated the players in friendly manner and ensured the atmosphere in the players room was always cheerful.

After we quit playing, most us continued to be in touch with each other and had frequent reunions and she was the centre of attention. We will miss you Jyoti Mam. Thank you for playing a major role in our cricketing journey. Rest in peace.

(The writer is a former captain of the Andhra Pradesh women’s cricket team)