CHAYA MUGHAL
“What matters most to me is showing young girls that they belong in sport, that their dreams are valid, and that no dream is too big.”
Meet Chaya Mughal, the Women’s Cricket Development Officer and captain of the UAE women’s team. For her, cricket is more than just a sport, it’s a way of life that brings her immense joy and purpose. Chaya says she is honoured to lead and support a passionate community of athletes, helping to drive growth, inspire future talent, and champion women’s cricket across the country.
“My journey in cricket started like any other Indian child born into a cricket-loving family. There was always a match on TV and since it was just me and my brother at home, he had no option but to play with me. That’s how my love for the game began.
I started playing more seriously, joined professional coaching, and even played competitive cricket back in India.
Later, I moved to Dubai to work as a teacher, but cricket always remained my passion and priority. Eventually, I made the big decision to leave my teaching career to fully focus on cricket. That choice led me to represent and captain the UAE women’s national team, which has been an incredible journey. Now, as the Women’s Cricket Development Officer at the Emirates Cricket Board, I feel grateful to turn my passion into a platform to support and grow women’s cricket in the UAE.
My family played the biggest role in my journey. Coming from a place in India where cricket was seen as a gentlemen’s game, it wasn’t easy for a girl to dream of playing professionally. But my father always encouraged me to play with the boys in our community, and my brother was my first coach, my biggest critic, and my constant support. My mother, like all moms, quietly held everything together — from caring for my food to treating every injury with hot and cold packs. Without their belief and sacrifices, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
THE WOMEN’S ASIA CUP
“One moment that truly shaped my perception of sports was representing the UAE in the Women’s Asia Cup — one of the most prestigious tournaments I’ve ever played. Sharing the field with top test-playing nations like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh was both humbling and empowering. Coming from a place where women’s cricket wasn’t always encouraged, that moment felt like a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come.
It showed me that sport isn’t just about competition — it’s about breaking barriers, shifting mindsets, and proving that dreams have no limits.”
MEDIA COVERAGE OF WOMEN’S SPORTS
“One moment that really showed me the power of good media coverage was when the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup got so much attention around the world. Seeing women’s cricket being talked about on big TV channels and social media made me feel proud and hopeful. Here in the UAE, the growing coverage of our women’s team and local games is helping more girls believe they can play too. For me, it’s not just about the matches — it’s about inspiring the next generation and showing everyone that women’s cricket deserves to be seen and supported. Positive media attention opens doors and creates opportunities for all of us.”
THE DISPARITY IN WOMEN’S SPORT COVERAGE
“Female athletes are gaining more visibility in sports media than ever before, which is encouraging. However, their representation still falls short compared to male athletes. Often, coverage focuses more on appearance or personal stories rather than athletic achievements. Many women’s sports receive less airtime, sponsorship, and media attention overall, which affects public perception and opportunities.
That said, things are improving — with more platforms highlighting women’s sports and athletes using social media to tell their own stories. We need continued commitment from media organisations to showcase female athletes fairly and celebrate their skills, dedication, and successes just as much as their male counterparts.
I would love to see the media cover women’s sports with the same respect and attention as men’s sports. That means focusing more on athletes’ skills, hard work, and achievements rather than just personal stories or appearances. More live broadcasts, highlights, and in-depth analysis would help fans connect with women’s sports better. It’s also important to show diversity and tell the stories of women from different backgrounds. When the media treats women’s sports fairly, it inspires more girls to play and helps grow the sport for everyone.”
“The story I want to tell is of a little girl from a small town in India who loved cricket just as much as any boy did — maybe even more. A girl who played with her brother in the streets because there were no girls’ teams, and who held onto her dream even when people said, ‘Cricket is not for girls.’
Today, I’ve had the honor of leading the UAE women’s team and playing in some of the biggest tournaments in Asia.
But more than the wins, what matters most to me is showing young girls that they belong in sport, that their dreams are valid, and that no dream is too big. I want to be living proof that even if no one else has done it before you — you can be the first.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG GIRLS IN THE SPORTS INDUSTRY
“The sports industry is one of the biggest and fastest-growing industries in the world right now. With so many major events coming up there are more opportunities than ever before. My advice to young women is this: get the right knowledge, be curious, and approach your work with passion and dedication. Hard work is irreplaceable, and you’ll need to be ready to work flexible hours because sport never really sleeps.
Don’t be afraid to broaden your circle — meet people, connect with others in the sporting world, and keep learning about how the industry is changing every day. Stay updated with the latest news and trends because that knowledge will be your strength.
And when opportunity knocks, don’t just open the door — grab it with both hands and don’t let go. Believe in yourself, trust your journey, and remember that your passion and persistence can open doors not just for you but for many others who come after you.”
