The Indian ODI skipper, Mithali Raj asserted that she understands the frustration of foreign cricketers as the schedule of the T20 Challenge coinciding with WBBL but firmly believes that BCCI “did its best” to organize in the four-match tournament in these unusual COVID-19 times. While the foreign players, led by Australian stalwart Alyssa Healy, questioned the timing of the exhibition games as it is clashing with the WBBL.
Asked about her thoughts on the two subjects, Mithali said, “The BCCI president (Sourav Ganguly), secretary (Jay Shah), and IPL GC chief (Brijesh Patel) have been very encouraging towards women’s cricket. I personally thought we may not even get to play the Challenger trophy (domestic event) because even the men’s IPL was in doubt but these games are most welcome.”
On comments of top internationals like Healy, Suzie Bates, Rachel Haynes expressing their displeasure, the legendary Indian cricketer tried putting things into perspective.
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Mithali elaborated, “I know a lot of people (foreign players) have questioned the timing of it but these are not normal circumstances. Normally, the IPL happens in April-May and doesn’t collide with WBBL (in Australia). But these are unusual circumstances, the window (tentatively November 1-10) was a short one and the BCCI did the best it could.”
The announcement came last week and it gave some clarity to the Indian cricketers whose 2021 World Cup preparations suffered a huge blow due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The WBBL is scheduled to take place between October 17 and November 29 while T20 Challenge games in Dubai will be held from November 1-10.
Healy is from Australia and Bates from New Zealand, among the least affected countries from the pandemic. Talking about them Mithali said, “They did not have to change the calendar (in Australia for WBBL) but we needed to owe to the pandemic. The IPL could not be organized in April-May. Australia and New Zealand players have had more time than us to start their preparations for the season. Nobody understands this but is quick to judge”.
The Indian ODI skipper player her last international match in November last year against the West Indies. However, during the forced break, she has been following a customized fitness plan and has now started with high-intensity training after the government allowed access to the sports complex.
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Having reached the final in 2017, India will be expected to clinch the trophy in 2021. Talking about the same, Mithali said, “My plans at the moment are only concentrated on the ODI World Cup.”
