Andhra Pradesh presents Rs 2.5 crore cash reward to woman cricketer Shree Charani
Amaravati, Dec 17
The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday handed over a cash incentive of Rs 2.5 crore to woman cricketer Shree Charani in recognition of her exceptional performance at the ICC Women’s One Day World Cup.
Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh personally met Shree Charani at his Undavalli residence and presented her with the cheque on behalf of the coalition government.
A native of Kadapa district, Shree Charani has emerged as one of India’s brightest talents in international women’s cricket and played a pivotal role in her team’s success during the recently concluded World Cup.
Acknowledging her remarkable contribution and consistent excellence on the global stage, the Andhra Pradesh government has extended a comprehensive package of incentives.
In addition to the Rs 2.5 crore cash award, the government has allotted her a residential plot measuring 500 square yards in Visakhapatnam. The state has also assured her a Group-I level position in the Andhra Pradesh government after the completion of her degree. Formal government orders to this effect have already been issued.
The gesture reflects the state government’s commitment to encouraging sporting excellence and inspiring young women across Andhra Pradesh to pursue careers in sports with confidence and ambition, an official release said.
The event was attended by Transport and Youth & Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Animini Ravinayudu, Special Chief Secretary (Sports) Ajay Jain and other senior officials.
The state government last month announced a cash reward, a government job and a house site for Shree Charani. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had announced the incentives after the young cricketer called on him.
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district, she played her first World Cup after making her international debut in April.
The left-arm spinner took 14 wickets in the World Cup.
The women's national cricket team made history by winning their first-ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup title on November 2 in Navi Mumbai. They defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final
— IANS
Reader Comments
Well deserved! She was a star in the World Cup. 14 wickets is no joke. But I hope this isn't just a one-off gesture before elections. We need consistent support and infrastructure for women's cricket at the grassroots level in every district, not just rewards after someone makes it big.
As someone from Kadapa, this makes us so proud! From our district to the world stage. This kind of recognition will change her family's life and inspire countless others. The government job assurance is a masterstroke—it provides long-term security so athletes can focus on their game without financial worry.
This is wonderful to see. The comprehensive package is impressive. However, I do wonder about the "Group-I level position after her degree." I hope it's a role that genuinely utilizes her skills or allows flexibility for her cricket career, and isn't just a symbolic desk job. The intent is great, but the execution matters.
Bahut badhiya! 👠Other states should take note. This is how you build a sporting culture. It's not just about the money; it's the respect and the promise of a stable future. When governments honour athletes like this, it sends a message that sports is a viable and honoured profession.
So happy for her! She played brilliantly. I just hope the plot in Vizag and the government job don't become a distraction or an obligation that pulls her away from the national team and training. Her primary focus should remain on cricket for India. The support should enable that, not complicate it.
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