Berkshire Cricket’s Michelle Jeyarajah Recognised Among ECB’s ‘The 53’
Berkshire Cricket is delighted to celebrate the recognition of our Women and Girls Development Officer, Michelle Jeyarajah, as one of the ECB’s “The 53” – a campaign honouring women who are shaping the future of cricket across England and Wales.
Launched ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Edgbaston, The 53 features 53 purple seats installed around the stadium, each dedicated to an individual whose contribution is helping to grow, develop and inspire the game. The number 53 marks the years since the inaugural Women’s Cricket World Cup was held in England in 1973, celebrating the pioneers, leaders, volunteers, coaches, players and changemakers who continue to drive the game forward today.
Michelle’s inclusion is recognition of her dedication to growing opportunities for women and girls in cricket and the positive impact she continues to make across Berkshire and beyond.
A Lifelong Passion for Cricket
Cricket has been at the heart of Michelle’s life from a young age. Growing up in a Sri Lankan and Indian household, cricket was a constant topic of conversation and an integral part of family life.
She began playing at her local club at the age of nine, initially alongside the boys, before progressing through the Berkshire County pathway from Under-13 to Under-17 level. It was during these formative years that she discovered the power of cricket to bring together like-minded people and create lifelong friendships.
When her family relocated to Dubai at the age of 17, Michelle was determined not to leave the game behind. She joined a local boys’ academy and soon earned the opportunity to train and play with the UAE Women’s team, gaining invaluable experience and becoming part of another diverse cricketing community united by a shared love of the sport.
Giving Back to the Game
Although Michelle initially pursued a successful career in finance, she always felt a strong desire to give something back to the sport that had given her so much.
“Cricket became my escape from the pressures of corporate life,” Michelle explains. “I always wondered whether there was a place for me to work within the game full-time.”
That opportunity came when she joined Berkshire Cricket as Women and Girls Development Officer, a role that allows her to combine her passion for cricket with creating meaningful opportunities for others.
Today, Michelle works closely with clubs, schools, volunteers and communities across the county to ensure more women and girls can access and enjoy cricket in all its forms.
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
One of the most rewarding aspects of Michelle’s role is seeing new players discover the game for the first time.
Whether introducing cricket in secondary schools or supporting clubs to create welcoming environments for women returning to the sport, her work focuses on ensuring everyone feels they have a place in cricket.
“I love seeing girls pick up a bat or ball for the first time and fall in love with the game,” says Michelle. “It’s equally rewarding to see women returning to cricket after years away and realising there’s a place for them at their local club—not just as a parent or supporter, but as a cricketer.”
Her work reflects Berkshire Cricket’s commitment to growing the women’s and girls’ game and making cricket accessible to all backgrounds and abilities.
Among Michelle’s proudest moments has been seeing her own mother take up softball cricket after years spent supporting her daughter’s cricketing journey from the sidelines.
For Michelle, it perfectly demonstrates cricket’s unique ability to bring people together and create opportunities at every stage of life.
“Seeing my mum play cricket means so much to me,” she says. “It shows that cricket really is a game for everyone.”
As Berkshire Cricket continues to grow the game across the county, Michelle’s recognition through The 53 serves as a reminder of the incredible people working behind the scenes to inspire participation, create opportunities and build welcoming cricket communities.
Everyone at Berkshire Cricket congratulates Michelle on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the passion, energy and dedication she brings to the game every day.
To women and girls considering getting involved in cricket, Michelle has a simple message:
“Whether you’re a player, coach, volunteer, someone returning to the game or someone discovering it for the first time, never forget that cricket is a community. It will welcome, support and value you, no matter what path brought you to the game.”