Bucket Hat Cult
Bucket Hat Cult was started by a few women’s sports enthusiasts. Members of BHC come from all walks of life, connected with one motto – growth of support for women’s sports in India.
Anushka Bidani: How did this community come into being?
bucket_hat_cult: This community was founded by like minded people who support women’s sports as equally as men’s sports. We are a community of people who used to go to women’s games regularly but never had a organised group. So, after a good stretch of home games in Mumbai last year, we decided it’s time for an organised support group for our Women in Blue!
AB: I love that you choose to call yourself a cult. What made you do this?
bucket_hat_cult: The name ‘bucket hat’ came about because few of us were being spotted in bucket hats, and the players, too, started recognising us through the bucket hats. The ‘cult’ was added to complete it to make up Bucket Hat Cult — a passionate cult or supporters of the Women in Blue.
AB: Within the larger women’s cricket space, there are a lot of micro sub-groups. What differentiates—and defines—the Bucket Hatters?
bucket_hat_cult: The whole women’s cricket space is a small community of fans, and Bucket Hatters are very much part of that community. We wouldn’t like to differentiate ourselves from other micro groups. The only thing that makes us stand out, or why we founded this group, was to have organised support at stadiums. Our main goal and philosophy is include all i.e., anyone and everyone who wants to follow the ICT. If you’re a first time stadium visitor or a regular — either ways you’re always welcome to join us.
AB: Why do you feel it’s important to have organised support at stadiums?
bucket_hat_cult: In sports, just like life, momentum is everything. A positive environment radiates positive energy which pushes our athletes past their best. Fans at a stadium act as the 12th player on the field. If the opposition is in charge, a massive cheer breaks their momentum for a minute, allowing the home team to get back in to the game. If the home team has the momentum, the cheer from the fans pushes them to try harder and harder, putting even more pressure on the opposition. With the support groups for women’s cricket still at a growing level, massive organised support makes a huge impact on the cricketers’ mindset.
AB: And lastly, how does one become a member?
bucket_hat_cult: It’s pretty simple: come to the stadium, bring a bucket hat and your voice.
This interview by Anushka Bidani is part of the series, The Fan Page Project.