Lisa Sthalekar loves to wear different hats. She is here now with her newest.

She has been a leading all-rounder with 3913 runs and 229 wickets in international cricket. She has been a coach, administrator and commentator as well.

But she is at the World Cup in a new capacity. She is a tour organiser and has brought in a group of cricket fans from around the world. She is the co-founder of Around the Wicket.

“When I played in the 2005 World Cup in South Africa, my co-founder and a few friends and a couple of families came out, and it was really people that you recognised in the stand,” Sthalekar told Sports stars.

“I thought and why wasn’t there something for women’s cricket?”

The former Australian captain’s first major tour was to India for last year for the Women’s ODI World Cup. “Men can come as well, and we had the ten people which included a man,” said Sthalekar. “And we have got a lady from New Zealand who has never really treated herself. I also have got someone from India who has never been to London.”

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Talking about the World Cup, Sthalekar is impressed with Australia and England. “Australia is ticking all the boxes,” said the winner of two T20 World Cups. “England’s top order is firing, Lauren Bell has been bowling well and Linsey Smith, too. The real test will be when they lose some early wickets.”

Sthalekar has also been the mentor of UP Warriorz at the WPL. “My time with the UP Warrioz have been wonderful,” she said. “I have enjoyed working with that group. They are really passionate about what they are trying to do.

Unfortunately, things haven’t quite clicked but I don’t think we’re that far away. Look out for the UP Warriorz come Season Five.”

Published on Jul 01, 2026