Harmanpreet Kaur-led India face brutal trolling after defeat in T20 World Cup opener

The Indian women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, faced a barrage of online trolling after their disappointing loss in the opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The team's 58-run defeat to New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on October 5 sparked a vicious social media backlash.

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Indian women's team faces brutal trolling from fans

Trolls targeted the team, criticizing their performance and questioning their worth, given the recent equalization of match fees with their male counterparts. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had made a landmark announcement in 2022, granting equal match fees to Indian men's and women's cricketers.

However, the team's loss to New Zealand, a side that had previously suffered 10 consecutive defeats, was met with harsh criticism. Trolls attacked the Indian team, implying that they did not deserve the same pay as the men's team, given their performance.

The online abuse sparked outrage, with many fans and supporters coming to the team's defense. They argued that the team's hard work and dedication should be respected, regardless of the outcome of one match. The equal pay announcement was a historic step towards gender equality in cricket, and the team's performance should not be tied to their worth.

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The Indian women's cricket team has made significant strides in recent years, and their achievements should not be overshadowed by a single loss. The team will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches, and fans are encouraged to support them with positivity and enthusiasm.

India are slated to lock horns against arch-rivals Pakistan in their second group-stage game on Sunday, October 6. The match will take place at the same venue in Dubai.