WPL: Paddy Farmer's Daughter Becomes First Female Curator from Receptionist

Jacintha Kalyan’s journey began for WPL when she left her village of Harobele, located 80 kilometers from Bengaluru, to take up a receptionist position at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) office in the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Little did she know that this move would lead her to become the nation’s first female curator.

Over three decades with the KSCA, she transitioned through various roles, from receptionist to administration to accounts, and now finds herself preparing pitches for the upcoming season of the Women’s Premier League.

Her career trajectory mirrors the plot twists of a weekend stage play in Harobele. In 2014, she was entrusted with overseeing the ground staff at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Here, she diligently observed the preparation and maintenance of pitches and outfields, learning on the job.

Subsequently, she expressed her desire to become a curator to the then KSCA secretary and former Test player, Brijesh Patel.

Jacintha Early Days Before WPL-

Jacintha describes her early days Before WPL were in the role of a curator as akin to being a kindergarten student among college students. She felt inexperienced and lacked knowledge but harbored a keen interest in learning.

With the support of Brijesh Patel, who recommended her, and the guidance of PS Vishwanath and K Sriram, experienced curators at the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), she began to acquire valuable insights into pitch preparation and maintenance. Their mentorship allowed her to grow and develop her skills in the field. In 2018, she took the BCCI examination, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward becoming a certified curator.

Jacintha’s connection with the soil runs deep, rooted in her upbringing in Halobele. As a child, she assisted her father in the paddy fields, fostering a strong bond with the land. Even today, despite her father’s passing, she maintains a portion of their farmland and continues to cultivate paddy.

However, Jacintha acknowledges the distinction between working with soil in agricultural fields and on a cricket pitch. The dynamics, requirements, and techniques involved in preparing a cricket pitch differ significantly from traditional farming practices.

Farming different from pitch preparation

Jacintha highlights the distinction between farming and pitch preparation, emphasizing that while both involve scientific principles, they are fundamentally different. Unlike farming, where once the right steps are taken, crops typically grow on their own, being a curator requires continuous effort and attention.

She describes pitch preparation as a labor of love, acknowledging its challenges but expressing the satisfaction derived from the process. Regardless of weather conditions or challenges, a curator must remain dedicated and attentive to the pitch’s needs. Each season brings unique demands, requiring caretakers to adapt and nurture the pitch like a parent caring for a child. Jacintha underscores the importance of forming a close bond with the pitch to ensure its responsiveness to the curator’s efforts.

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Author

Harshit Maggon
"Inquisitive mind, ink-stained fingers, and a heart set on uncovering stories. Navigating the labyrinth of words as a journalism student, weaving narratives...