Young Jhunjhunu cricketer Happy Khichar earns major WPL contract:Gujarat Giants bought her for 10 lakh; father installed a net in front of the house for practice

Eighteen-year-old cricketer Happy Khichar from Jhunjhunu has been purchased by the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for ₹10 lakh. A fast bowler and aggressive batter, Happy’s achievements have transformed the direction and perception of girls’ cricket in the region. Happy’s journey was not easy. When she first began playing cricket, she faced opposition within her own family. Adding to the challenge was the absence of a dedicated girls’ cricket academy in Jhunjhunu. Her father, Rajesh, and her coach played a crucial role in ensuring she received the support she needed. Rajesh said that although there were a few small grounds, they were far from home, overcrowded, and often made practice difficult for his daughter. Net installed at home; 6 hours of daily practice To overcome these limitations, Happy’s father installed a practice net outside their house. ‘My daughter only needed a fair chance; the rest of the effort was entirely hers,’ Rajesh said. ‘Today she is Rajasthan’s strongest all-rounder.’ Happy still trains six hours a day in the same home-installed net. Family’s changing attitude: ‘Grandmother was angry at first’ Happy recalled that when she started playing cricket at the age of 10, her grandmother was initially upset. Today, however, she watches her play with pride and often becomes emotional. Happy’s grandfather had always dreamt of seeing her play cricket for the country. Sharing a message for parents, Happy said- ‘If your daughter is interested in sports, please encourage her. Sports are no less important than studies.’ Happy’s younger sister, Anushi Khichar, also plays cricket and has already been selected for the Rajasthan Under-15 Senior Training. Girls’ cricket gains momentum in Jhunjhunu Happy’s success has sparked a dramatic shift in the local attitude towards girls’ cricket. The chairman of Jhunjhunu Academy, Akash/Dilip Modi, along with their team, has started free training sessions for girls. Where once no girls were seen in the academy, now around 100 girls practise there daily, inspired by Happy’s rise. 4 teams invited her for trials before WPL auction Before the WPL auction, four teams had invited Happy for trials. Ultimately, the Gujarat Giants chose to buy her. Happy’s journey from practicing in a small home-made net to earning a WPL contract is now motivating hundreds of young girls across Jhunjhunu to follow her path.