Haren and Sue Sthalekar, proud parents of ICC Hall of Famer Lisa Sthalekar, have always stood by their daughter’s side, providing constant support.
Their determination to never give up has inspired Lisa to become one of the best female cricket players in the world.
Let’s explore the incredible journey of Lisa, who went from an orphanage in India to earning four world cup titles and being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
The former cricket player, Lisa Carprini Sthalekar, was captain of the Australia women’s national cricket team. As of now, she serves as a cricket commentator.
She is a pioneer of Aussie Women’s cricket who, throughout her career, earned numerous accolades and honors as a captain, player, administrator, coach, and cricket commentator.
Lisa, aka the ‘Shaker,’ was rated as the leading all-rounder around the globe when ICC rankings were introduced in 2008/09.
Moreover, she was the first female cricketer to score 1,000 runs and bag 100 wickets in ODIs. During her career, she played 125 ODIs- the 2nd highest by any Australian woman.
Sthalekar played a pivotal role & was involved in four successful women’s World Cup campaigns. Similarly, she also represented New South Wales and Sydney Sixers.
Eventually, she decided to retire internationally after the World Cup in 2013, where her spectacular catch helped crown the Aussies the winner.
Sthalekar retired as the 10th-highest run scorer in women’s ODIs and Australia’s third-highest.
She also won the Belinda Clark Award in 2007 & 2008- the most coveted award in Australian women’s international cricket.
In 2020, she achieved the pinnacle of success when she was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Lisa Sthalekar Parents: Who Are Haren And Sue Sthalekar?
Lisa Carprini Sthalekar was born on August 13, 1979, in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The name of her biological parents is currently unknown.
She was adopted by Haren and Sue Sthalekar, whom she proudly calls her parents now. Together, the Sthalekars were a family of four- two daughters.
Lisa’s father, Haren, belongs to Indian heritage, while her mother, Sue, is of British descent.
Originally named Lalia at birth, Lisa biological parents left her at an orphanage named Shreevasta, next to Pune’s Sasson Hospital.
At that time, Haren and Sue had a daughter and were in India, hoping to adopt a baby boy to complete the family of four.
After countless failed efforts in search of a boy, the orphanage lady suggested that they meet Laila.
Her mother, Sue, fell in love with her big brown eyes at the very first sight and decided to adopt her. After completing all the legal checks, her parents renamed her Lisa Sthalekar.
Lisa was just three weeks old when the Sthalekar family brought her back to the United States and Kenya.
Haren and Sue were both Australian citizens. When Lisa was four, the family stopped in Australia en route to Jamaica to get Lisa, an Australian citizen.
Moreover, her parents were always supportive of her decision to make a career out of cricket. Lisa was introduced to cricket by her father in the backyard of their home.
Sue Sthalekar, a loving mother and an equally great wife, unfortunately, died in 2002. As per reports, the cause of her death was breast cancer.
Post Retirement Life
Lisa may have retired from playing cricket, but she has not left the sport completely. Since her retirement, she has been working as a cricket commentator in Australia.
Recently, she works as a commentator in the Indian Premier League and Women’s Big Bash League on Network 10 Australia.
Moreover, Lisa serves as the Independent Director for the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations.
Her contribution off the field is remarkable as well. She is also one of the ambassadors of The Chappell Foundation.
This foundation helps fund the frontline charities that work to provide shelter, education training, nourishment, and a brighter future for the homeless youth.
