White Ferns’ star Amelia Kerr lives out dream in India

White Fern star Amelia Kerr.
Photo: Photosport.NZwww.photosport.NZ© Photosport Ltd 2021

White Ferns’ star Amelia Kerr got to live out scenes she only dreamed of as a child while playing in India’s inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL).

A few days ago Kerr helped the Mumbai Indians win cricket’s inaugural WPL title after a seven wicket victory against Delhi Capitals in Mumbai in front of a 50,000 strong crowd.

They were easily the biggest crowds the allrounder has ever played in front of.

“Throughout the tournament there were packed stadiums and they’re very passionate about their cricket so it was noisy, it was an amazing atmosphere,” Kerr said.

Back in New Zealand, Kerr said playing in the WPL was one of the best month’s of her life and a big part of that was down to the Indian fans, who are renowned for their love of cricket.

The question of whether that passion extended to women’s cricket was the risk when India’s powerful cricket governing body created a women’s version of the money-spinning men’s IPL.

Well it turns out it did, with it well and truly capturing the imagination of local and international fans.

“I think in India if you’re a cricket lover you watch cricket regardless if it’s men’s or women’s.

“The fans kind of feel like they’re a part of the team and they live and breathe it. They are very loyal, but I think because of how passionate they are they probably ride the highs and lows of winning and losing a lot more.”

Amelia Kerr.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Kerr has also played a few seasons in Australia’s Big Bash League (WBBL), which has been running since 2015-16.

“I think the Big Bash has been an amazing tournament and that’s kind of what started the T20 leagues around the world for women’s cricket.

“It’s obviously a very good standard because you have every Australian player playing in it and they are the best in the world.

“But I think going to India it’s just a completely different world. I absolutely loved playing for Mumbai and loved playing cricket in India so I think with the fans, everything is just next level.”

Kerr said the players were treated like stars.

“Walking to the bus from the hotel, there’s everyone there waiting and waving flags and cheering for you. When you walk around it’s like you’re a super star and they absolutely love it.

“We’d go to the supermarket and the people working there wanted a photo. A few of us would go to this little cafe most days and Nat Sciver-Brunt and I signed the wall at the cafe and there were photo requests every time.”

The five-team tournament has been hailed as huge success, offering lucrative deals to attract the leading names.

Blackcaps veteran Kane Williamson and White Ferns spinner Amelia Kerr were the big winners at the 2019 NZ Cricket Awards. Kerr again was named the most outstanding women’s cricketer of the year at the recent NZ cricket awards.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2019

Any nerves the organisers might have had about whether the league would capture the public’s imagination, were dispelled early.

Kerr’s Mumbai Indians also played in the opening game of the league at another stadium in Mumbai that has a 55,000 seating capacity, which was sold out.

“They had the final at the smaller 50,000 seat ground, because they wanted it to sell out and by the end of the tournament they were like ‘we could have sold out the bigger venue’.

“I think the viewership as well was amazing and it exceeded expectations. The first time you ever do something like that you’re learning and you’re going to make it better each year so that’s definitely the path it’s going to go down.

“The attention this competition got, I think it’s ground breaking and it’s life changing and it’s just going to grow and get better and better.”

The earning capacity of the White Ferns has come along way in a short space of time considering that back in 2014 the most a White Fern could earn was around $25,000 a year.

Now, the highest-ranked White Fern, who also plays a full domestic season, has the potential to earn around $180,000 a year, making them the the best paid female team in New Zealand.

Growing up Kerr would watch men’s cricket on the TV and see them playing in front of big crowds, knowing that was their job, while the women did it for free.

“The White Ferns contracts have increased which is so helpful for all players in New Zealand because that’s going to grow the depth as well and provide more opportunities.

“But then having the leagues around the world that we’re able to play in is amazing. I guess it helps you do the job you love and it’s what the men have been able to do so for the women it’s so good that it’s finally happening.”

Indian cricket fans are loyal to a fault.
Photo: Photosport Ltd 2019

The Mumbai Indians paid $192,000 for Kerr.

White Ferns captain Sophie Devine was the other New Zealand player to get picked in the league, fetching $96,000 to play for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

England all rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt and Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner were the league’s most expensive foreign recruits, earning a whopping $631,197.86 NZ for a month’s work.

Kerr’s father Robbie Kerr also went over with her for the duration of the league.

“He loved it, he watched so many of the games and got treated like family by the people over there.

“He’s helped me so much with my cricket so it was so nice to be able to share that experience with him and have him on the field at the end of the final.”

The only other time Kerr has been to India was back in 2019 when she played in the India’s Women’s T20 Challenge – a four-match, six-day-long exhibition tournament.

“It was to test the potential of there being a women’s Premier League. I played in the final then for that year and that was in front of I think almost 20,000 people, so the signs were good back then.”

Harmanpreet Kaur the Indian captain
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 22-year-old said playing in overseas leagues was also good for her game.

“And these leagues give you a chance to play with different players around the world and under different coaches, so you’re learning off different perspectives and that helps you grow your game.

“I got to play with Harmanpreet Kaur the Indian captain and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who are two of the best players in the world so to play alongside them you learn so much.”

Kerr finished the league fourth overall for Most Valuable Player points, and took the third most wickets across the league.

With a population of 1.4 billion, India is a complex country.

Kerr fell in love with India but she also couldn’t help but notice the contrast between those living in poverty verses those living opulent lives.

“When you’re driving around it’s sad looking out the window, you know seeing people living basically in a little tent and then you see a mansion down the street so the contrast is confronting. The range of how rich some people are and how some people have absolutely nothing is eye opening.

“But I loved getting involved in the culture there and I found the people amazing and they’re so kind and generous.”