My name is Michelle Jeyarajah and I am the Women and Girls Development officer for Berkshire Cricket. I also proudly captain and play Women and Men’s cricket at Maidenhead and Bray Cricket club.
Cricket has always been a big part of my life. Living in a Sri Lankan and Indian household, cricket was the subject of daily conversation. I started playing cricket with the boys at my local club at nine years old and then eventually made into the Berkshire County squad from U13s - U17s where I met so many wonderful like minded girls passionate about the game.
At 17 I moved to Dubai with my family and I didn’t want to give up on my passion so I joined a local boys academy there and to my surprise was invited to train and play with the UAE women’s team where I was surrounded by yet another community of women from all across the globe pursuing their passion.
I’m extremely passionate and proud of the impact I have on the game today; I left a career in finance because part of me always wanted to give back to the sport which gave me so much joy and peace as a child and adult.
I found cricket as an escape from my day-to-day in the corporate world and wondered if there was ever a place for me full time in this world which has given me so much.
Luckily I got the role I’m in currently and it gives me so much joy to see the impact of the meaningful work I am part of. For example, from going into a secondary school and seeing girls pick up a bat or ball for the first time and fall in love with the game, to seeing women revisiting the game after years and knowing that there is a place for them at the club not as a mother, wife, partner but as a cricketer who is part of the hardball or softball community!
Seeing my mum play softball cricket after years of supporting my journey in the sport and showing up for my matches means a lot to me but it also showcases that cricket is a sport for all and that’s what is important!
Whether you’re a coach or a volunteer, someone returning to the game or someone new to this world, never forget that you are part of a community who will support and welcome you regardless of what your journey to us may be!