#BatterIsBetter: Changing the term ‘Batsman’ to a Gender-Neutral Term ‘Batter’ Is a Sign That Cricket has Changed for Good!
The MCC has decided to adopt gender-neutral terminology in cricket, now to use ‘batter’ instead of ‘batsman’.
When it comes to cricket terminology, we have been using the word “batsman” or “batsmen” for far too long without considering the women players in the sport. But the Marylebone Cricket Club, the “guardian of the laws of the game,” recently decided to adopt a gender-neutral term ‘batter’ instead of ‘batsman’ in the sport. The move was made to “help reinforce cricket’s status as an inclusive game for all.”
(Photo: Twitter @MCCOfficial)
Cricket might be the national game of the UK and Australia, but its popularity has the whole world going crazy over the sport. It is one of the most loved and revered sports, with millions of fans and followers. As a result, this ground-breaking decision can help to raise awareness about the importance of using gender-neutral language and push for the need for it to become a norm.
Why the change in the terminology?
Using the terms like batsman/batswoman disregards the women’s participation in the sport. This move was long overdue, especially given the growing popularity of women’s cricket in recent years. The MCC also referred to the previous matches England vs. India and Australia vs. India in the World Cup 2017 and T20 World Cup 2020, respectively, where people showed up in large numbers.
(Photo: Reuters/Peter Cziborra)
“MCC believes in cricket being a game for all, and this move recognises the changing landscape of the game in modern times. Use of the term ‘batter’ is natural evolution in our shared cricketing language, and the terminology has already been adopted by many of those involved in the sport. It is the right time for this adjustment to be recognised formally, and we are delighted, as the guardians of the laws, to announce these changes,” says Jamie Cox, assistant secretary (Cricket and Operations) at the club in a press statement.
Is it a fair change?
In 2017, during the last redraft of the laws, the MCC kept the terms after consulting the key figures in women’s cricket. This time, the club decided to make the appropriate changes and implement them immediately while also updating the rulebook. Soon, the said changes will be made available on the app and the printed version. Thus, the change is more than fair as it not only makes the sport more inclusive but can be a sign of respect towards the women players. This shows that cricket is moving towards progressive change in the game.
In April the year, ESPN’s news website, CricInfo, announced that it will replace the two commonly used terms in cricked with their gender-neutral alternatives. To help make the language of sports more inclusive, they have started using the word ‘batter’ instead of ‘batsman’ and ‘player of the match’ instead of ‘man of the match.’
What’s the importance of having gender-neutral terms?
We are moving towards a progressive society that respects all genders equally. However, we often use terms like sportsman, policeman, fireman, or chairman that only hint towards the heavily male-dominated world we live in. When we use the terms with ‘man’ at the end of it, we fail to recognize the presence and contribution of women and every other gender in a particular occupation. Instead, say, sportsperson, police officer, firefighter, and chairperson.
Using gender-neutral language is a step towards inclusivity. It ensures that we are not making an assumption that might make the other person feel uncomfortable or marginalize them. It can prevent you from undermining their value as a person. It paves a way to promote equality and eliminate bias.
Words that you can use and reflect gender neutrality
Here are some gender-neutral alternatives to the words we use on a daily basis:
She/He — They
Sportsman/sportswoman — Sportsperson
Husband/wife — Spouse/Partner
Latino/Latina — Latinx
Chairman — Chairperson
Let’s hope the new terminology sticks around, and the fans and commentators adopt it from now on. Although the step was taken a bit late, it is quite commendable. You know what they say, better late than never.
Not so long ago, Indian cricket team captain Mithali Raj completed her 22 years in the sport. Read this blog to know more about her glorious career. You can also check out our other blogs on the website.
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