New Delhi: Indian women’s ODI skipper Mithali Raj was gratified with BCCI’s action to hold the Women’s T20 Challenge alongside the men’s IPL play-offs in the UAE. Although, the decision didn’t go well with international stars like Alyssa Healy and Suzie Bates as the dates clashed with the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Raj felt the games are most welcome.
“I personally thought we may not even get to play the Challenger trophy (T20 Challenge) because even the men’s IPL was in doubt, but these games are most welcome,” Mithali told PTI. The women’s T20 Challenge is expected to happen between November 1 and 10 while WBBL will start from October 17 and go on till November 29.
“I know a lot of people have questioned the timing, but these are not normal circumstances. Normally, the IPL happens in April-May and doesn’t collide with WBBL. But these are unusual circumstances, the window was a short one and the BCCI did the best it could,” she added.
Until recently, it appeared as if the tournament wouldn’t be held this year due to the pandemic situation. In addition, India’s tour of England was dropped on the back of players not having enough time to prepare for the tour.
Just like the men’s team, the women too haven’t started their training after a break due to the constantly evolving COVID-19 situation. They have also not played any competitive cricket since losing to Australia in the T20 World Cup final. “Even if we were to shift the Women’s Challenge to September, the girls would not be ready. Australia and New Zealand players have had more time than us to start their preparations for the season.
“Nobody understands this but are quick to judge. We have four series scheduled before the World Cup but we are yet to get the date. When the England tour got cancelled, players faced a lot of uncertainty and if there is nothing ahead you don’t know what you prepare for. So the news of staging the IPL games is much needed,” said Mithali, who is the highest run-getter in women’s ODIs.
“Their frustration is understandable. Foreign players also want to be part of the event. I too want the best players in the league. But the situation is not normal. Right now, there is hardly any sporting activity in India and to have the matches before the men’s IPL, it would require players to be in match mode. We are yet to start training.”
The BCCI has announced that the India women would have their national camp in September followed by a possibly home series against South Africa. They will also play an away series against West Indies.
“More than the T20 Challenge games, I am relieved to have some cricket starting. That gives hope to other players to look forward to training and plan the season and not be in that uncertain mode. From what I heard we are going to have a camp sometime in September-October. That should help the team to re-group and assess themselves and accordingly plan ahead for the coming series,” Mithali concluded.
