Being a Female Cricket Vlogger in a Male Dominated World

From a young age, Cricket has been a big part of my life, it was always on in the house and I have been watching it since I can remember, it was only natural that I developed a love for the game.

Over the years, I grew up and understood more. Although, that dreaded LBW rule was something that took me a while to get to grips with, and it wasn’t until Graeme Smith’s epic tour of the UK in 2003, that I truly understood all aspects of the LBW law. Watching the constant replays on a leftie just helped me to understand everything from impact outside the line to pitching outside leg. Thanks Biff!

I am a very vocal and passionate Cricket fan, I am the type of fan that will shout and have full on conversations with the TV while I watch a game. So often my husband comes and asks me who I’m arguing with, and I simply respond “The TV” as if it’s the most normal thing in the world.

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It was this passion that prompted me to start my journey as a female Cricket vlogger. Here I was, someone that understands the game, understands the rules, understands the difficulties on and off the field, and I’m a girl to boot, hey it’s something different I thought, why not?

It wasn’t all smooth sailing and peaches & cream, I had to endure the obvious, sometimes nasty stereotypes, “you’re a girl, what do you know about Cricket?” and was asked several times how much Cricket I’ve played in my life, because apparently the only way you can understand the game is by playing. There are so many brilliant female sports commentators and journalists around the world proving just that, you don’t have to have played a sport to understand and form an opinion.

What I did have to do though, especially at the beginning, and especially with it being such a male dominated world, was back up anything and everything I said with facts, I had to work very hard and ensure anything I said in my videos or posted online was correct information. Eventually, people started to realise I do know what I’m talking about and started to respect my opinions.

‘I wanted to prove to everyone that being a female is not a hindrance in sport.’ – Fatima Ahmed aka The Popping Crease, a Cape Town-based Female Cricket vlogger – born and raised in London – but a Proteas supporter all the way!

I knew not everyone would agree with my views or opinions, and that was ok, because what’s the fun in that? I was happy to debate, because I trust my own knowledge to be able to have an intelligent conversation discussing a particular topic, and above all else, I welcome that.

It is my aim to build The Popping Crease to a brand that people can come to for up-to-date information, with interesting segments.

The Popping Crease is now 2.5 years old, and it’s been an incredible journey, I have grown so much as a person, and learnt valuable lessons. Sometimes the best thing to do is just let something go and move on. Don’t engage with people that are obviously trying to troll you and be difficult. Just let it go. The mute and block buttons on Twitter have been my friend!

As females, it is our responsibility to show the doubters in the world that we are every bit as capable as they are. If we want to do something, the only thing stopping us is ourselves.

This is essentially a full time job, and it can get a bit overwhelming at times, especially with a full time job, but I love every second of it. I take great pride in making it the best version it can be. I have ideas to grow my brand, and make it something that hasn’t been done before, so watch this space!