Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Dec 09 : In Bandipora’s Ajar village, the sound of leather on willow is scripting a revolution. For four years, sisters Madiha Fayaz and Sania Fayaz have turned makeshift grounds into their arena, balancing academics and intense training with a singular focus: cricket. Their relentless dedication has now propelled them into the spotlight as the newest icons of women’s cricket in Jammu and Kashmir.
The turning point came last month when the Bandipora district women’s team clinched the UT-Level Cricket Tournament title. At the helm was Madiha Fayaz, whose captaincy was marked by composure and a steadfast emphasis on teamwork. “It was a transformative experience,” Madiha told Kashmir News Service (KNS). “It taught me patience, discipline, and the hard reality that success is built on consistent work.” Her routine was grueling, training before school and often continuing late into the evening, driven by an unwavering ambition to excel.
Her younger sister, Sania Fayaz, carved her own niche as a dependable all-rounder. Known for steady performances with both bat and ball, Sania spoke candidly about the challenges. “The journey hasn’t been easy,” she said. “We faced infrastructural limits and societal doubts. But focus and our parents’ support kept us going.” That support, she said, was the backbone of their progress.
What sets their story apart is its tangible impact. Young girls from neighboring villages now seek guidance from the sisters, a responsibility Sania calls “an honour.” Their success is not just personal; it is slowly reshaping perceptions in rural Kashmir, where sports for women have historically lacked visibility and institutional backing.
Both sisters now have their sights set on the J&K women’s cricket team, with the long-term goal of representing India. Their immediate hope, however, is that their journey encourages more girls from similar backgrounds to pursue sports without hesitation.
Local coaches and residents view their achievements as a watershed moment for Bandipora. With continued backing and structured training, the Ajar sisters are poised to climb higher, proving that talent, when met with tenacity, knows no barriers.
